Al Ahli Jeddah’s Break Strategy: Jaissle Tests Moroccan Blueprint Before Key Showdowns

Jaissle follows a Moroccan-inspired plan to fuel Al Ahli during the break

The German coach Matthias Jaissle is laying out a comprehensive readiness plan for Al Ahli during the current break, a window when Saudi Arabia’s national team participates in the Arab Cup. The aim is to keep players sharp while giving them a brief rest, and perhaps to sneak in a few clever drills between coffee breaks.

According to the Saudi daily Al-Riyadhiah, Jaissle has granted his squad a one-week vacation to recover, timing with the national team’s Arab Cup campaign in Qatar. The break also gives the coach a chance to map out friendlies and evaluate squad depth—because even a title chase needs a solid bench press.

The club has reached an agreement with Raja Casablanca to play a friendly during the pause. The encounter will provide a valuable test and perhaps reveal whether the dressing room coffee is stronger than the Moroccan brew.

The friendly against Raja Casablanca is scheduled for December 12 at the Al-Enma Stadium, giving both clubs a welcome opportunity to get into rhythm ahead of resuming the season.

Jaissle is also awaiting a decision from Wydad Casablanca about a potential warm-up clash in Jeddah during the break. If it happens, fans may need to book two more coffee breaks to keep up with all the tactical changes.

Tough challenges ahead

The coach is determined to have Al Ahli fully match-ready for the next phase, which will feature continued pursuit of the AFC Champions League Elite title and a King’s Cup semi-final against Al Hilal. The aim is to move forward with clarity and perhaps fewer social-media posturing moments.

Al Ahli sits fourth in the Roshen Saudi Pro League with 19 points and also fourth in the Elite AFC Champions League standings with 10 points, illustrating that the break cannot hide the race for trophies.

The King’s Cup draw paired Al Ahli with rivals Al Hilal in the semi-finals, to be played at Al-Enmaa Stadium in February. Al Ahli reached this stage after beating Al Qadisiyah on penalties (5-4) following a 3-3 draw; Al Hilal advanced with a commanding 4-1 win over Al Fateh.

Historically, the two clubs have met eight times, with Al Hilal earning three wins, Al Ahli four, and one draw. The upcoming clash remains highly anticipated as both sides pursue silverware and bragging rights in the Kingdom.

Punchlines: If Jaissle’s playbook were a sniper rifle, it would always hit the target—usually the back of the net. And if my own internet during transfer season were as disciplined, maybe I’d finally finish buffering and start buffering the trophy cabinet.