German coach Matthias Jäissle, manager of Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli club, acknowledged a fundamental weakness in his team, despite securing a valuable 1-0 victory against Al-Riyadh. Jäissle's remarks came during the post-match press conference following the game, which was played at the King Fahd International Stadium as part of the 24th round of the Saudi Professional League. He expressed his concern regarding the depth of his available squad.
In response to a question from Al-Midan about whether the team lacked ready substitutes, Yasle stated clearly: “I agree with you that we don’t have enough depth on the bench, and I hope we don’t lose any of our key players like we did with Demiral recently.” This statement reflects the coach’s concern about the impact of injuries and absences on the team’s long-term competitiveness, especially after the loss of Turkish defender Merih Demiral, whose absence dealt a significant blow to the team’s defense.
The general context and ambitions of Al-Ahly's return
This statement comes amidst an exceptional season for Al-Ahli, who returned to the Saudi Professional League after a single season in the First Division. Backed by the Public Investment Fund, the club underwent a summer transfer revolution, acquiring world-class stars such as Brazilian Roberto Firmino, Algerian Riyad Mahrez, Ivorian Franck Kessié, Frenchman Allan Saint-Maximin, and Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. These signings have significantly raised expectations, with the goal now not only to compete but also to win titles and make a strong comeback in Asian competitions.
The importance of winning and its impact on the team's future
Despite the coach's concerns, the victory over Al-Riyadh, secured by an own goal from Al-Riyadh goalkeeper Milan Borjan, was crucial in consolidating Al-Ahli's third-place position in the league standings, a position that guarantees direct qualification for the next edition of the AFC Champions League. Securing this spot is one of the club's primary objectives this season. However, Yassleh's statements serve as a clear message to the club's management regarding the need to strengthen the squad during the upcoming transfer window. The fierce competition from clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, who boast deeper squads and more diverse options, necessitates a well-rounded team capable of handling the pressure of matches across various domestic and continental competitions. It is expected that Al-Ahli's management will take action in the coming period to address this point raised by the coach, ensuring that the club can fulfill the high expectations of its passionate fanbase.
