Derby Day Tactics: Jaissle Bets on a Lucky Charm to Outshine Al-Ittihad in Jeddah
5 March 2026
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The German coach Matías Jaissle, head coach of Al-Ahli, has decided to rely on a lucky charm that helped him lift last season's Elite AFC Champions League trophy, ahead of the Jeddah derby against arch-rival Al-Ittihad.
Al-Ahli clash with Al-Ittihad tomorrow Friday at the Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah, the 25th round of the Saudi Pro League.
Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadhiya reported that Jaissle chose not to hold a closed camp before the derby, a tactic he used during the Asian knockout rounds hosted in Jeddah at the end of last season.
The German coach asked players to go home after training today, Thursday, and to gather Friday at noon at a resort in Jeddah before boarding the club bus to the stadium.
Jaissle has relied on this approach since last season, after players asked not to organize a full closed camp a day before the match, as was common before.
This approach has given players more rest and time with their families, which has reflected in the high-level performances Al-Ahli is delivering this season.
The team sits second in the Saudi league table with 59 points, two behind leaders Al-Nassr and one ahead of third-placed Al-Hilal.
