Al-Ahli say Matias Jaissle made decisions to release Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie

Al-Ahli have denied responsibility for the departures of Algeria forward Riyad Mahrez and Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie after the end of last season, saying the decisions were made by former manager Matias Jaissle.

The Saudi club terminated Mahrez’s contract unilaterally with one year still remaining, while Kessie was not offered a new deal after his contract expired at the end of the previous campaign.

Former Al-Ahli honorary member Khaled Abu Rashid relayed comments from Ahmed Al-Shanqeeti, chairman of the club’s executive committee, rejecting the suggestion that the club had taken the decision to part company with either player.

Speaking on the Dawrina Ghair programme on SBC, Abu Rashid said: “The departure of Mahrez and Kessie was a technical decision made by the former coach, Matias Jaissle.”

The exits of the Algeria international and the Ivory Coast international led to considerable anger among Al-Ahli supporters. That discontent has been heightened by the difficulties the team has experienced since the start of the current season following their departures.

Al-Ahli are ninth in the Saudi Pro League after six matches, having collected nine points from three wins and three defeats.

Jaissle also left the club before the current season began to take charge of Newcastle United. He departed after three historic years with Al-Ahli, during which he led the side to two AFC Champions League Elite titles.