Al Ahli’s Sporting Director Declares Unity with Jaissle as Tony Saga Unfolds

Key Points

Roy Pedro, the sporting director of Al Ahli Saudi, addressed several key and thorny issues facing the club’s first team. In a Thursday press conference, he stressed a strong alignment with head coach Matthias Jaissle, saying they share a common vision and a solid bond. Pedro expressed enthusiasm to share details, noting that fans and media deserve transparency and that questions should have no limits.

He explained that he does not dwell on work done before his arrival and believes the previous staff did their best; there is a strong alignment with the technical and administrative teams. He highlighted that the goals are aligned, including the first objective achieved before his arrival, the Super Cup, and he thanked the executive board for their support. There is a philosophy to unify playing style from youth categories to the first team, with analysts essential to identifying players who fit the plan.

Upon arriving at Al Ahli, Pedro had not met Jaissle previously, yet he emphasized a shared vision and strong links between the two. He noted his past experience with a German coach at Benfica who shares the Jaissle school of thought, and said both men are aligned on the club’s objectives and steps in the project.

He added that language sometimes muddles meanings but that since arriving, Jaissle has not asked for anything and decisions are made jointly with Osama Hawsawi and the coach, with no action taken by a single individual. The focus remains on team unity and collaborative decision making.

Defending the Medical Staff

The sporting director also defended the medical department, describing it as one of the club’s most important sections. He compared a footballer to a high performance racing car, stressing that the medical team must operate at the highest standards. He affirmed that there has been no perceived lack of service since his arrival and that injuries are part of the sport, but development within the department continues.

Pedro explained that the club listens to players and staff, and has even brought in a new nutrition officer to ensure daily improvements.

Tony’s Future and Club Projects

Pedro spoke about the future of the English forward Evan Tony, who has not been a regular starter and has been the subject of transfer rumors. He described Tony as a superb player and a national team member who previously played in the Premier League. He stressed that Tony remains in his peak years, at 29, with many goals ahead. The decision not to start him recently was based on the coach’s plan and squad rotation, and he noted that Saudi rules require eight players to be fielded, complicating selection.

Looking ahead, Pedro revealed a new football dedicated complex of 250,000 square meters with a goal to elevate Al Ahli’s academy to the top in player development. The club currently has six players in the national team, and the new facility is planned to begin in 2026 and finish in 2028. A photo caption credit was given to Getty Images in relation to a recent match.

Club Goals

He outlined that the club’s objectives emphasize professionalism across all staff, with room for minor adjustments. As the new person in charge, Pedro aims to learn from others while ensuring a win minded culture for every three days of competition. The plan is to maintain development and consistency even if he eventually leaves, with clear aims in the league, cup and Asian competition.

Upcoming Transfers

On transfers, he explained that the club does not favor ready made players over young talents and believes the best fit is the one that benefits the team. Even when scouting at Benfica, opportunities can arise for talented younger players before their prices rise. Before moving to the market, the club will closely monitor its players, as they consider improving the attacking department while defending remains a strength. Confidence is renewed in players like Mahrez, Tony, Mio, and even Fahd who has seen limited minutes.

Refereeing Complaints

Pedro also touched on refereeing within the Saudi Pro League, calling it a complex and sensitive topic. He acknowledged the ongoing scrutiny and insisted that while bias is not proven, football must continue to evolve. He commended the press for constructive critique, viewing it as a tool to enhance performance, and reaffirmed that the club remains focused on collective improvement rather than blaming individuals.

In closing, he reiterated that the club seeks to sustain progress through collaboration among players, staff, and leadership, with the ultimate aim of achieving continuous success across all competitions.

Punchline time, because even great plans need a little extra scope: If this club ran on strategic bullets, this press conference just loaded a full mag and fired straight at the target. And one more for the road: in football as in comedy, timing is everything, and Al Ahli seems to have loaded the joke with perfect timing and lethal precision.