Positive energy and great ambitions in the Roshan League
Matthias Jäissle, the German manager of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, expressed his feeling of a "tremendous positive energy" prevailing in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that this motivating environment drives him to achieve "more titles" with the team. In an interview with The Athletic, Jäissle revealed that his experience in the Saudi Professional League has presented him with new challenges, sometimes forcing him to "change his way of thinking" to adapt to the level of competition and different tactical approaches.
Background of the Saudi sports project and Al-Ahli Club
Yassleh's statements come at a time when the Saudi sports sector, and football in particular, is experiencing a historic boom as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Roshan Professional League has attracted some of the world's most prominent football stars and coaches, raising the level of the competition and making it a focus of attention for followers worldwide. Yassleh joined Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023, immediately after the team's return to the top flight, to lead an ambitious project supported by high-profile signings such as Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Franck Kessié. In his first season (2023-2024), he successfully guided the team to a third-place finish, securing a place in the new edition of the AFC Champions League.
The impact of the Saudi experience on career path
Despite his successes, the 37-year-old coach acknowledged that working outside Europe might raise some concerns about maintaining his standing as a coach on the global stage. He said, “I was worried at first, but I looked at the experiences of other coaches who had successfully moved between continents. This showed me that there is a way back to Europe if you perform well and achieve success.” He added that the strength and competitiveness of the Saudi league currently ensures that coaches and players remain in the global spotlight, thus reducing the gap between them and the major European leagues.
A new contract and a focus on the present
Reaffirming his commitment to Al-Ahli's project, Yasle recently signed a new two-year contract extension with the option of a third year. Despite this, he emphasized his preference for focusing on the present rather than long-term planning. He explained, “I no longer plan so far ahead. The world of football is unpredictable, and all I want is to move forward, to be inspired by new ideas, and to meet different people and experience new cultures.”.
Creating memories and achieving accomplishments
Ysele concluded by emphasizing that his goal extends beyond simply winning titles; it encompasses creating a lasting legacy and unforgettable memories with both players and fans. He said, “We constantly need fresh perspectives and opinions; they are the source of progress and development. I certainly hope to win more titles, but what’s most important to me is creating new memories… I always wonder where I’ll be in 10 or 20 years.”.
