Former RB Leipzig manager Ole Werner has rejected the chance to take charge of Al-Ahli despite being offered an annual salary of about €11m.
The Saudi club approached the German coach as a possible replacement for Matthias Jaissle, who resigned from his position on Thursday to become manager of English club Newcastle United. Al-Ahli have yet to appoint a successor.
Werner’s decision was reported by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, which cited German publication Bild. The 11m-euro package would have been almost three times the salary Werner received at RB Leipzig, where he earned approximately €3.7m a year.
Despite the financial appeal of the proposal, Werner has decided to take a break from coaching. The 43-year-old left RB Leipzig in unusual circumstances after the club dismissed him without his knowledge while he was on a summer holiday in Malaysia.
His refusal represents another setback for Al-Ahli as the club attempts to complete its search for a new manager before the start of the upcoming campaign. Werner is the latest high-profile candidate to turn down the role, following former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez and Spanish coach Marcelino.
Al-Ahli’s management are keen to resolve the appointment as quickly as possible so the new head coach can oversee the final stages of the team’s preparations. The urgency has increased with the new season approaching and the club set to compete in several domestic and continental competitions.
The club will officially begin its campaign on 13 August, when it faces Al-Diriyah in the opening round of the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Ahli are also aiming to end a long wait for the Saudi league title. Their most recent championship came in 2016, and the club are seeking to retain the AFC Champions League Elite trophy after winning the competition in each of the past two seasons.
The departure of Jaissle has left Al-Ahli needing to make a key appointment at a crucial point in their preparations. His move to Newcastle United has forced the Saudi club back into the market, but the rejection by Werner means the process will continue following unsuccessful approaches to several other coaches.
Werner’s decision was based on his preference to remain away from management for the time being rather than a lack of interest generated by the offer. The proposed salary would have represented a significant increase on his previous earnings in Germany, but it was not enough to persuade him to return immediately after his abrupt exit from RB Leipzig.
Al-Ahli must now identify another candidate capable of leading a squad competing for domestic honours and continental success. With the opening fixture against Al-Diriyah less than a month away, the club’s priority is to appoint a manager who can take charge of the final preparation period and begin work ahead of a demanding season.
