Ahmed Atif, the former Al Shabab player, downplayed Matthias Jaissle's success and Al Ahli's triumph in the AFC Elite, calling it weaker than the King’s Cup.
Jaissle steered Al Ahli to the Elite title last season — the club's first ever — a feat that earned him a contract extension early this season.
Miscalculation of a Zero-season
Nevertheless, Atif predicted that Al Ahli would fail to win any trophy this season, even though they began the campaign by clinching the Saudi Super Cup after beating Al Nassr on penalties.
In a televised interview he said: "I think Al Ahli will not win any trophy this season, except the Saudi Super Cup." He added: "If you look at the progress at Al Ahli, there is not much to show; Jaissle spoke initially about an incomplete coaching staff, a short pre-season, and other excuses."
"In the following season he claimed he didn’t pick the players, and this season he has more excuses; the improvement rate is only about 10%," Atif argued.
"With the resources and capabilities available to Al Ahli, they should be competing for the league title," he insisted.
"Stability is good, but it must translate into results; five years with only one trophy isn’t acceptable for the club's fans."
"As a big club and champion, Al Ahli should contest for all titles, not pick a single trophy to chase; choosing only one competition doesn’t suit a big side."
The King’s Cup Is Stronger
On the other hand, Atif argued that the King’s Cup is stronger than the AFC Elite, noting that winning it isn’t a major achievement for the German coach.
"Yes, Jaissle led Al Ahli to the Elite title, but he exited the King’s Cup at the hands of a second-tier side, which fans see as a poor measure," he added.
"From my perspective, winning the Elite is not a major achievement; the Elite teams are often from leagues below the Saudi Pro League," he concluded.
"In my view, the Elite is easier than the King’s Cup, and if any team from the Elite played in the Saudi league they'd likely finish no higher than sixth," he said.
"A coach’s success should be measured by a Saudi league title; thus Al Ittihad was the only team to succeed last season, while others underperformed."
"Al Ahli has a potent attacking lineup—Riyad Mahrez, Galeno, Ivan Toni, and Franck Kessíé add depth—and yet Jaissle’s offensive ideas appear limited to direct play."
Jaissle’s Journey with Al Ahli
Jaissle’s leadership helped Al Ahli win the AFC Elite title last season, capping a superb campaign as they began the current season by clinching the Saudi Super Cup against a star‑studded Al Nassr managed by Jorge Jesus.
But the mood shifted quickly: a narrow 1–0 win in the opening round against Neom, followed by a goalless draw with Al Ettifaq, and a 3–3 thriller against Al Hilal, then wins against Al Hazm and another draw with Al Shabab.
Al Ahli then chalked up a hard-fought win against Al Najmah, drew with Al Riyadh, and later beat their city rivals Al Ittihad in the Jeddah Derby, courtesy of a goal from their Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, boosting confidence.
Currently, Al Ahli sit fifth in the Saudi Pro League with 16 points from 4 wins and 4 draws, eight points behind leaders Al Nassr after eight rounds.
In the King’s Cup, Al Ahli beat Al Arab 5–0 in the round of 32, then Al Batin 3–0 before facing Al Qadisiyah in the quarterfinals.
In Asia, Al Ahli began their title defense by beating Nasaf 4–2, drew with Al Duhail 2–2, beat Al Gharafa 4–0, and finished with a 2–1 win over Al Sadd.
