In a display of fighting spirit and high professionalism, Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, the flying winger for Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli club, refused to take the passive rest period suggested to him by his German coach, Matthias Jäissle. This came immediately upon Mahrez's return to Saudi Arabia after the conclusion of his international participation with his national team in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Details of the conversation between Mahrez and Yassela
Sources within Al-Ahli revealed that German coach Matthias Jäissle had planned to give his Algerian star, Riyad Mahrez, a short recovery period to avoid muscle fatigue and accumulated exhaustion, especially after the player's strenuous efforts in the continental tournament. Jäissle had instructed Mahrez not to participate in group training immediately upon his arrival and to wait until after the team's upcoming match against Al-Taawoun, scheduled for Wednesday.
However, the “Desert Warrior’s” reaction was decisive, as Mahrez insisted on refusing the leave, confirming his complete readiness and his strong desire to immediately engage in preparatory training, to ensure his presence in the starting lineup that will play the important match in the fifteenth round of the Saudi Roshan League.
Returning from the African conflict
Mahrez's return to Jeddah comes after a grueling journey with the Algerian national team in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where "Les Fennecs" were eliminated in the quarter-finals following a loss to the formidable Nigerian side. Despite the bitterness that such international defeats can cause, Mahrez demonstrated remarkable maturity by separating his national duty from his commitment to his club, quickly returning to serve Al-Ahli's objectives in domestic competitions.
The importance of facing Al-Taawon and its impact on the league
Mahrez's insistence on playing is not without reason; the global star understands the importance of Al-Ahli's current stage in the Saudi Professional League. The match against Al-Taawoun is considered a pivotal moment in the team's journey this season, as Al-Ahli seeks to solidify its position at the top of the table and continue to put pressure on the league leaders.
Mahrez, with his extensive experience in European football, particularly the English Premier League, knows that winning matches like these requires the presence of all key players, and that the absence of a leader of his caliber can negatively impact the team's morale and performance. Therefore, his presence at training sessions before the match sends a strong message to his teammates about his seriousness and commitment.
The expected impact of Mahrez's decision
This stance is expected to be greatly appreciated by Al-Ahli fans, who rely heavily on Mahrez's magic and decisive passes. This behavior also puts coach Yassla in a favorable position, as he has players who prioritize the team's success over their own comfort, thus boosting Al-Ahli's chances of achieving a positive result against a tough opponent like Al-Taawoun.
