Al Ahli have asked Newcastle United to postpone the announcement of Matthias Jaissle as their new head coach while the Saudi club finalise the appointment of his replacement.
Jaissle resigned as Al Ahli manager last Thursday in order to take charge of Newcastle United next season, succeeding Eddie Howe. The German coach is expected to move to the Premier League club, but Newcastle have yet to confirm his appointment officially.
According to Saudi journalist Khaled Al-Zahrani, the delay is being caused by Al Ahli. The club has asked Newcastle to wait before announcing Jaissle’s arrival until they have appointed a new head coach to lead the team during the forthcoming campaign.
The issue comes as Al Ahli attempt to resolve their own managerial situation as quickly as possible. Since Jaissle’s departure, the club have been linked with a number of potential replacements, including Xavi Hernandez and Marcelino from Spain.
Portuguese candidates Vitor Pereira, Nuno Espirito Santo and Sergio Conceicao have also been mentioned, along with German coach Ole Werner.
Al Ahli want to complete the process promptly so their new manager can oversee the final stages of the club’s preparations. The urgency is heightened by the club’s participation in several domestic and continental competitions during the new season.
The Saudi side are due to begin their campaign officially on 13 August, when they face Al-Diriyah in the opening round of the Saudi Pro League.
Jaissle’s expected move to Newcastle follows Eddie Howe’s departure from the English club. Newcastle have not yet made a formal announcement about who will take charge, despite the situation reportedly having been settled.
Al Ahli are preparing for a campaign in which they will seek to end their wait for the Saudi league title. The club have not won the championship since 2016.
They will also attempt to retain the AFC Champions League Elite title after winning the competition in each of the previous two seasons.
The club’s decision to delay Newcastle’s announcement reflects the importance of appointing a successor before the new campaign begins. Al Ahli’s incoming manager will have to take control of preparations for a schedule featuring both domestic fixtures and continental commitments.
Newcastle, meanwhile, remain without an official confirmation of Jaissle’s appointment, even though the German has left Al Ahli with the intention of taking over at the Premier League club next season.
