Saudi football broadcaster Walid Al-Farraj has backed Al-Ahli to play a significant role in the forthcoming Roshn Saudi League campaign, despite a turbulent summer that has included a managerial change, boardroom uncertainty and the departures of two senior players.
“Despite all the obstacles and setbacks, Al-Ahli will be an important force on the pitch and in the stands as a season full of twists and turns begins, but the most combative, spirited and stubborn team will win it,” Al-Farraj wrote on his personal account on X.
He also urged the club’s supporters to remain optimistic after the departure of German manager Matthias Jaissle.
“The manager’s departure was a disaster at the time, but it was a successful experience that could be repeated with unexpected names. Be optimistic about the future,” he added.
Jaissle left Al-Ahli around two weeks before the club was due to begin its Roshn Saudi League campaign. The German had spent three full years in charge and guided the team to two AFC Champions League Elite titles.
His exit prompted uncertainty over whether his successor could maintain the progress made during his tenure. Al-Ahli appointed Dutch coach Marino Pusic just one week before the start of the league season, giving him limited time to prepare the squad for the campaign.
The club has also experienced change away from the pitch. Former president Khalid Al-Ghamdi left his role in order to stand for election as president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.
Al-Ahli have additionally lost two of their established leaders, with Ivory Coast midfielder Franck Kessie and Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez both departing.
The club will officially begin its new season on 13 August, when it faces Al-Diriyah in the opening round of the Roshn Saudi League.
Al-Ahli, known by the nickname “Al-Raqi”, are seeking to win the Saudi league title for the first time since 2016. They will also attempt to retain the AFC Champions League Elite crown they have won in each of the past two seasons.
Al-Farraj’s comments come as Al-Ahli prepare for a campaign in which expectations remain high but the team must adapt quickly to a new manager and a reshaped leadership group. The broadcaster suggested that resilience and determination could prove decisive in a season he expects to contain considerable fluctuations.
The club’s first league fixture against Al-Diriyah will provide Pusic with his first competitive opportunity to demonstrate how quickly he can establish his methods and whether Al-Ahli can begin their title campaign positively after such a disruptive summer.
