German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli club, expressed his immense satisfaction with his team's victory over Al-Hazm in the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League. In the post-match press conference, Jäissle emphasized that the win was well-deserved and the result of tireless work from both the players and the coaching staff. He stressed the importance of securing the three points to maintain their position in the top ranks of the league.
Yasle said: “It was a well-deserved victory for us. We delivered an outstanding performance both defensively and offensively, despite the constant pressure and fatigue on all the players. We will continue working in this manner in the coming period to compete strongly in the Roshan League this season.” The young coach added, praising the team spirit: “We have been working day and night since we joined the coaching staff. We have improved significantly over the past two seasons, and the journey has been fantastic thanks to the team's strong unity and the high morale and strong team spirit in the locker room.”.
The general context and the importance of the victory for Al-Ahly
This victory comes at a crucial time in the season for Al-Ahli, who returned to the Saudi Professional League this year after a single season in the First Division. The club, nicknamed "Al-Raqui" (The Royal), is striving to firmly establish itself among the elite and compete for a spot in the AFC Champions League, a primary objective given the substantial support it enjoys. Following the Public Investment Fund's acquisition of the club, Al-Ahli underwent a revolution in the summer transfer market, signing world-class stars such as Algerian Riyad Mahrez, Brazilian Roberto Firmino, Ivorian Franck Kessié, and Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, significantly raising the expectations of its fans.
The impact of the Roshan League on the international stage
The Saudi league is no longer just a local affair; it has become a global phenomenon. The fierce competition between the top, star-studded clubs extends beyond domestic titles, aiming to enhance Saudi football's international image and attract more fans and investors. Every victory for Al-Ahli or any of the other major clubs reinforces the strength and appeal of the Saudi league and underscores the success of the Kingdom's ambitious sports project.
Technical decisions and clarification regarding absences
Regarding absences in the back line, Yaysle addressed the situation of Turkish defender Merih Demiral, who has yet to feature, explaining that the decision was purely tactical. Yaysle praised the performance of young defender Rayan Hamed, saying, "Merih Demiral hasn't made a definitive appearance for us yet," adding that he is proud of Hamed's contributions to the team in recent league matches. This decision reflects the coach's confidence in young players and his ability to create a cohesive blend of experience and youth, which is essential for long-term competitiveness in a strong and challenging league.
