German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Al-Ahli Saudi FC, praised the pivotal role played by the team's fans in securing a valuable victory against Al-Najma FC in the 23rd round of the Saudi Professional League, a match dubbed "Foundation Day Round." Jäissle emphasized that the fans' support was a decisive factor in overcoming a difficult and unexpected challenge.
In the post-match press conference, Yasleh stated, “The match was a tough and unexpected challenge, and Al-Najma put on a strong performance. However, the fans' support helped us immensely and gave the players a tremendous morale boost.” He added, “The positive aspect was the fighting spirit the players displayed and their high level of determination. We aim to utilize all the registered players in a balanced way to create a well-rounded team capable of competing at all levels.”.
The general context and competitive landscape of the Roshan League
This statement comes amidst an exceptional season for Saudi football, with the Saudi Professional League (SPL) witnessing unprecedented global interest after attracting a constellation of international football stars. Al-Ahli, recently promoted back to the top flight, has proven itself a force to be reckoned with, successfully building a strong team featuring luminaries such as Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Franck Kessié, under the guidance of young coach Matthias Jiesle, who hails from the Red Bull Salzburg academy renowned for its high-pressing and dynamic style of play.
Al-Ahli currently sits in second place in the league standings, locked in a fierce battle with their arch-rivals Al-Hilal, making every match crucial in the title race. The victory over Al-Najma was more than just three points; it reaffirmed the team's ability to win tough matches and maintain their momentum.
The importance of winning and its future impact
Domestically, this victory strengthens Al-Ahli's position in the top four and brings them one step closer to securing a spot in next season's AFC Champions League, a strategic objective for the club. It also boosts team morale ahead of crucial upcoming matches, most notably the highly anticipated Jeddah derby against Al-Ittihad.
Regionally and internationally, these positive results contribute to enhancing the image of the Saudi League as one of the most competitive and attractive leagues in the world. In this context, Yaisleh pointed to the remarkable improvement in the performance of player Atangana, emphasizing that the individual development of players directly benefits the team as a whole and reflects the success of the club's sporting project. This focus on player development alongside achieving results is what distinguishes the vision of world-class coaches like Yaisleh in the Saudi League.
