Al-Ahli appoint Marino Pusic as successor to Matthias Jaissle

Al-Ahli Saudi FC have appointed Marino Pusic as their new head coach, replacing Matthias Jaissle after the German’s successful three-year spell with the Saudi club.

Pusic, who holds Croatian and Dutch citizenship, has signed a contract that will keep him at Al-Ahli until 2028. The 54-year-old previously led Shakhtar Donetsk to the Ukrainian league title in 2024 and most recently worked in the Gulf region with United Arab Emirates club Al Jazira.

His appointment follows Jaissle’s departure to take charge of Newcastle United. Jaissle, 38, left Al-Ahli after guiding the club to two Asian Champions League titles.

Pusic has built a coaching career across several European leagues. He helped FC Twente secure promotion to the Eredivisie in 2019 and later worked as an assistant coach at Feyenoord, where he was part of the staff that won the Dutch league title in 2023.

He is also recognised for his coaching influence throughout his career. Pusic has received best-coach awards from clubs he has managed and was nominated for the UAE Pro League’s Coach of the Year award during his most recent season.

Jaissle joined Al-Ahli in 2023 and led the side in 138 matches across three seasons. Under his management, the German recorded 83 wins, 21 draws and 25 defeats.

He guided Al-Ahli to consecutive Asian Champions League triumphs in 2025 and 2026, adding major honours to a period in which the club established itself among the leading teams in the region.

Pusic now takes over a squad that has enjoyed considerable success under Jaissle and will be expected to continue that progress. His previous experience includes domestic success in Ukraine and the Netherlands, as well as a season managing in the UAE.

The appointment also links two clubs controlled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The fund owns both Al-Ahli and Newcastle United, the club Jaissle has joined.

Al-Ahli’s decision to appoint Pusic represents a change in leadership while maintaining a coach with experience of winning league titles and working in different football environments. His deal runs through 2028, providing the club with a long-term successor to Jaissle.