German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al-Ahli's first football team, expressed his confidence in his team's abilities ahead of their anticipated match against Al-Ettifaq on Wednesday, in the nineteenth round of the Saudi Professional League. Jäissle emphasized that the technical decisions regarding the selection of foreign players participating in the match require careful consideration, affirming that the high quality of the squad provides him with considerable flexibility and multiple options.
The context of the confrontation in the Roshan competitive league
This match comes at a time of unprecedented competition in the Saudi Professional League, especially after attracting a host of international football stars. Al-Ahli, making a strong return to the top flight, occupies a high position in the standings and is striving to secure a place in the top four, which qualifies them for the AFC Champions League. Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq, under the guidance of their English coach Steven Gerrard, are delivering impressive performances, making them a formidable opponent. Yassle commented on this development, saying, "Al-Ettifaq is a very improved team and is playing at a high level. We need some time to select the right foreign player for this match.".
The importance and impact of foreign options
The Saudi Professional League regulations allow each club to register eight foreign players, presenting coaches with a positive challenge in selecting the optimal lineup for each match. Al-Ahli boasts a constellation of international stars, including Algerian Riyad Mahrez, Brazilian Roberto Firmino, Ivorian Franck Kessié, Frenchman Allan Saint-Maximin, and Spaniard Gabri Veiga, in addition to a strong defense featuring Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, Brazilian Roger Ibañez, and Turkish Merih Demiral. This depth in the squad is what Yasleh meant when he said, "The performance of our foreign players gives me great confidence, and we have enough time to finalize our selection of the eight foreign players." He also confirmed the readiness of his players, noting that Brazilian Galinho is now fit to play, adding another option to the team.
Team management and future outlook
Yassle didn't neglect to discuss team management and player rotation, justifying the exclusion of young Frenchman Valentin Atangana in the previous match against Neom by saying, "Atangana has played in many matches this season, and he's a young player who needs rest to maximize his potential." This statement reflects the coach's long-term vision of maintaining his players' fitness and avoiding fatigue. Regarding the possibility of new signings to compensate for the absence of Mohammed Sulaiman and Zakaria Hawsawi, Yassle preferred to remain silent, saying, "It would be foolish to answer questions about replacements for Sulaiman or Zakaria. The winter transfer window is still open, and anything is possible." The German coach concluded by addressing the club's fans, emphasizing the importance of their support in this crucial match to secure victory and continue their successful run in the league.
