Al Ahli’s attempt to appoint Marcelino Garcia Toral as Matthias Jaissle’s successor has ended in disappointment, with the Spanish coach choosing to wait for a more significant opportunity in European football.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Al Ahli had identified the former Villarreal manager as its preferred candidate and considered him the “ideal coach” to lead the club. The recommendation came from sporting director Rui Pedro Braz, who worked as Benfica’s director between 2021 and 2025.
Braz is understood to have been particularly impressed by Marcelino’s approach to coaching and his ability to develop players while increasing their market value. During his career, Marcelino has worked with a number of prominent players, including Santi Cazorla, Ander Herrera, Goncalo Guedes and Luis Alberto.
He has also coached three players who became world champions with Spain: Rodri, Ferran Torres and Nico Williams.
Several meetings took place between Al Ahli and Marcelino before the manager ultimately decided against accepting the proposal. The opportunity had appealed to him because of the chance to coach the two-time Asian Champions League winners, while participation in the Club World Cup offered an additional incentive.
However, the Spanish coach opted to remain faithful to a personal plan he established after leaving Villarreal. That strategy centres on continuing to improve his English, with the aim of securing a managerial position at one of Europe’s elite clubs in the near future.
Marcelino’s decision reflects his ambition to return to the highest level of European football rather than move to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career. His focus remains on opening the door to a major opportunity on the continent.
The 60-year-old is expected to attract further offers in the coming period, and his next destination appears increasingly likely to be in Europe. His stance leaves Al Ahli facing the task of identifying another candidate to take charge of the team for the next phase.
The club’s interest in Marcelino had been shaped not only by his previous experience but also by Braz’s confidence in the manager’s methods. His record of improving established players and helping develop high-profile talent made him a strong fit for Al Ahli’s plans.
Despite that admiration, and despite the sporting attractions attached to the Saudi project, the discussions did not result in an agreement. Marcelino’s priority is instead to continue preparing for a return to the European stage, leaving Al Ahli to reassess its options as it looks for a successor to Jaissle.
