Marino Pusic has arrived in Jeddah to begin his role as Al-Ahli’s new head coach, with the Dutchman taking charge of the Saudi club after agreeing a contract until 2028.
Pusic’s arrival was confirmed by Saudi journalist Waleed Saeed, who shared video footage of the manager reaching Jeddah airport on Thursday. The former coach was met by representatives of Al-Ahli, who welcomed him on behalf of the club.
The visitors’ reception included the traditional presentation of Saudi coffee, a customary gesture used to welcome new arrivals. The moment was captured in the video published on Saeed’s account on X.
Al-Ahli announced in the early hours of Thursday that Pusic had signed a two-season contract. He succeeds German manager Matthias Jaissle, who has left the club to take charge of English side Newcastle United.
The new Al-Ahli manager will begin preparations immediately, with the start of the Roshn Saudi League only one week away. His first competitive fixture is scheduled for 13 August, when Al-Ahli face Al-Diriyah on the opening matchday.
Pusic therefore has limited time to settle into his new position before the first match of the new campaign. His appointment comes as Al-Ahli prepare to pursue two significant targets: winning the Saudi league title for the first time since 2016 and retaining the AFC Champions League Elite crown.
The Jeddah club have won the continental competition in each of the past two seasons, and will seek to maintain their recent dominance while also ending their long wait for domestic league success.
Pusic’s arrival formally begins the next stage of Al-Ahli’s preparations after the departure of Jaissle. The club moved quickly to appoint his replacement, announcing the agreement before the Dutch coach landed in Jeddah.
With the opening league fixture against Al-Diriyah approaching, Pusic is expected to take charge of the team’s immediate preparations as Al-Ahli start work on their ambitions for the new season.
