Rui Santos has emerged as a possible short-term solution for Al-Ahli Saudi FC after taking charge of first-team training on a temporary basis following the departure of Matthias Jaissle.
The Portuguese coach, who currently manages Al-Ahli’s Under-21 side, has been placed in charge while the club continues its search for a new head coach. With the start of the new season approaching and negotiations with several candidates having stalled, Santos could now be given the opportunity to remain in the role for at least the opening stage of the campaign.
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Santos led the first-team session alongside former player Mohamed Massad. The training took place after the squad returned from a holiday following the conclusion of their overseas training camp in Austria and Portugal.
Santos’ appointment is regarded as temporary, but the club’s limited time to complete its managerial search could work in his favour. Al-Ahli’s management is attempting to reach an agreement with a foreign head coach, although talks with more than one potential candidate have failed to produce a final deal in recent days.
That uncertainty has raised the possibility that Santos may continue to oversee the team when the new season begins. The club has yet to confirm whether he will remain in charge beyond the immediate training period, and his longer-term position is dependent on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations.
Al-Ahli begin their Roshn Saudi League campaign on 13 August against Al-Diriyah. The approaching fixture has increased the pressure on the club’s management to resolve the coaching situation quickly.
The club now faces two clear options: complete the appointment of a new manager before the season starts, or place its confidence in Santos to lead the team during the first part of the campaign. His current involvement with the first team means he is already familiar with the squad’s preparations after the players’ return from their break.
The decision follows Jaissle’s departure and comes at a time when Al-Ahli are still working to settle the structure of their coaching staff. Santos’ role has so far been defined as an interim arrangement, but the delays in negotiations have created the possibility of an unexpected continuation.
For now, he is responsible for guiding preparations while the club considers its next move. The outcome of the managerial search in the coming days is expected to determine whether Santos returns to his Under-21 duties or starts the new season in charge of Al-Ahli’s senior team.
