German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al-Ahli, emphasized his team's high ambitions this season, stressing that their ultimate goal is to win the Saudi Professional League title. This came during the press conference preceding the team's anticipated match against Al-Hazm in the 21st round of the tournament.
Yassleh began by highlighting the immense pressure of the congested fixture schedule, saying, “It’s a strange feeling. Yesterday we were at the press conference for the Al-Hilal match, and today we’re at the press conference for the Al-Hazm match. This is clear evidence of the pressure of the fixture schedule.” This statement reflects the challenge facing the major clubs in the Saudi League, whose competitive level has risen significantly after the influx of international stars, demanding a high level of physical and mental readiness from the players.
Confidence in the current squad to achieve the title
Despite the challenges, Yassleh expressed absolute confidence in his players' ability to achieve their goal. He added, "The players have the confidence to win the league title, and immediately after the Al-Hilal match, we spoke with them on the plane about our goals and ambitions." This affirmation comes as Al-Ahli strives to return to the podium after its swift return to the Professional League. The club is considered one of the four major clubs backed by the Public Investment Fund, which places upon it the responsibility of competing for all titles.
Regarding the winter transfer window, Ysele explained: “Any coach in the world would like to strengthen his team with signings, but I have complete confidence in the players we have now and their ability to continue the journey successfully.”.
The impact of facing Al-Hilal and finding a replacement for Majrashi
The German coach addressed the recent match against Al-Hilal, which was a top-tier encounter by all accounts, expressing his hope that the team would maintain the fighting spirit they displayed. He said, "I hope the team continues the spirit they showed against Al-Hilal, and that's what we're working on now." The importance of this spirit lies in its being the key to continuing to compete in a long and challenging league, especially as Al-Ahli strives to establish its place among the elite.
Yassleh concluded his remarks by addressing the immediate challenge posed by the absence of right-back Ali Majrashi, who was sent off in the previous match: “I had hoped our match against Al-Hilal would end without Ali Majrashi being sent off, but that’s in the past now, and we must work hard to find a suitable replacement for him in the Al-Hazm match.” This test demonstrates the depth of the squad and the coaching staff’s ability to manage unexpected absences to maintain the team’s stability and positive results.
