In a move reflecting the growing importance of the Saudi Professional League on the global stage, Al-Ahli Club in Jeddah received a significant visit from the head coach of the Turkish national team, Italian Vincenzo Montella, accompanied by performance coach Pierpaolo Paulino. This visit was not merely a courtesy call, but rather carried clear technical and strategic objectives, underscoring the new status that Saudi clubs have attained.
General context: Roshan League as a destination for international stars
This visit comes amidst the significant transformation of the Saudi Professional League, which has become a destination for some of the world's top football stars. The league is no longer merely a final stop in a player's career, but has evolved into a competitive platform featuring international players at the peak of their powers, such as Turkish defender Merih Demiral. This necessitates that national team coaches closely monitor their players to ensure their readiness for international competitions.
Main objective: To ensure Demiral's fitness before Euro 2024
The primary purpose of Montella's visit was to assess the technical and physical condition of international defender Merih Demiral, a key player in the Turkish national team. With the UEFA European Championship (Euro 2024) approaching, this on-site monitoring is of paramount importance, as Montella seeks to evaluate his player's readiness and coordinate directly with Al-Ahli's coaching staff, led by coach Matías Jäissle, to ensure Demiral arrives at the tournament in the best possible physical and mental shape.
A reunion of memories and a fruitful artistic dialogue
The visit wasn't merely official; it also had a friendly aspect, with Montella meeting his former player, Ivorian Franck Kessié, whom he coached during their time together at AC Milan. This added a personal dimension to the encounter. The visit also included a fruitful technical discussion with the club's sporting director, Rui Pedro, and coach Jacele, where they exchanged views on several technical and administrative matters of mutual interest, reflecting Al Ahli's commitment to building bridges of cooperation with international expertise.
Importance and expected impact
Domestically, this move reinforces Al-Ahli's position as a professional entity that adheres to the highest international standards in player development and communication with international federations. Internationally, it sends a clear message that the Saudi League has become an integral part of the global football system, and that Saudi clubs are active and reliable partners in preparing players for major international competitions, thus enhancing the league's overall standing and strengthening its professional image globally.
