German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of the Al-Ahli Saudi FC first team, expressed his immense satisfaction with his team's valuable victory over NEOM FC in their tough match during the 18th round of the Roshan Professional League. The match was played in challenging weather conditions at NEOM Stadium in Tabuk, which only added to the significance of the three points the team secured and returned to their home ground in Jeddah.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Jääsle analyzed the game, emphasizing that it was far from easy. The German coach said, "It was an extremely difficult and competitive match, and the final result wasn't clear until the last few minutes, reflecting the tough challenge we faced from our opponents." He added that his team successfully imposed their style of play through positive possession and the creation of numerous clear scoring opportunities, which were effectively converted into three decisive goals that gave the team the advantage.
A winning streak boosts ambitions
Yaisleh highlighted the strategic importance of this victory, noting that it marked the team's seventh consecutive league win. This run of positive results is a clear indicator of the technical stability and tactical development that Al-Ahli has been experiencing recently. Yaisleh affirmed that the team delivered a great performance befitting the name of Al-Ahli and the aspirations of its vast fan base, emphasizing their determination to continue working with the same pace and seriousness to climb further up the Roshan League standings and compete strongly for the top spots. This reflects the coaching staff's desire to maintain this upward trajectory until the end of the season.
A tribute to the club's historical icons
In a related context, the German coach expressed his deep appreciation for Al-Ahli's history and icons, mentioning the positive statements made about him by the club's and Saudi football legend, Hussein Abdulghani. Yassle said gratefully, "I thank Hussein Abdulghani sincerely for his supportive words and statements. Although I haven't had the opportunity to meet him personally yet, I am well aware of his stature as one of the club's greatest legends, and I hold him in the highest esteem." This statement reinforces the connection between the current generation and the club's historical figures, as Abdulghani is considered one of the iconic leaders who achieved unforgettable feats with Al-Ahli and the Saudi national team.
Weather challenge and squad depth
Yassleh concluded his remarks with a realistic assessment of the match conditions, specifically the weather in Tabuk, expressing his desire to return to Jeddah quickly. He explained, "I want to get back to Jeddah as soon as possible; the weather here is bitterly cold, much more than I expected when I arrived." The northern regions of the Kingdom are known for their significantly lower temperatures in winter compared to the milder, more humid conditions of the western coastal areas. He ended by reassuring fans about the team's readiness, emphasizing that Al-Ahli currently possesses several excellent tactical options, giving them tactical flexibility and the ability to cope with the pressure of matches and potential absences.
