Derby Drama and a Coach’s Promise: Can Jaissle Reignite Al-Ahli’s Spark?
19 November 2025
Derby-Ready Mindset: Jaissle Praises the Squad
German coach Matthias Jaissle of Al-Ahli Jeddah voiced strong confidence in his players as they approach a demanding stretch of the season. He highlighted the quality and experience within the squad and warned that the upcoming games would test every area of the pitch.
Al-Ahli currently sits fifth in the Roshen Saudi Pro League with 16 points, following a valuable 1-0 victory over Al-Ittihad in the previous round.
The team is preparing for a tough clash with Al-Qadisiyah on Friday in round nine of the competition.
Derby weeks bring unique pressure, but the mood inside the camp remains upbeat as players recover from the international break and reassemble with a sense of purpose.
Balancing Fronts: Domestic Race, Cups, and Asia
A Different Kind of Challenge
Yaissle said the match against Al-Qadisiyah will demand greater flexibility and on-field decision-making rather than reliance on a fixed plan.
He explained that the short window to train after the international pause poses a major challenge, yet the players are determined to deliver the best possible performance and collect the three points.
Returning Spirit
The coach discussed his philosophy of player selection, emphasising variety within the squad to provide different traits and tactical options for various scenarios.
He noted that the international window and FIFA days add difficulty, with long travel and fatigue affecting players' readiness, requiring continuous adaptation on the field.
Yaissle also reflected on the last derby, calling it a special moment for the fans that gave the team a strong lift and renewed confidence ahead of upcoming matches.
What Lies Ahead for Al-Ahli?
After the international break, Al-Ahli faces a critical phase with league title ambitions, the King's Cup, and the quest to defend the AFC Champions League title. The balance across these fronts will demand smart management of minutes, rest, and focus.
Domestically, the title race remains relentless, and any slip could reshuffle the standings. In cup competition, the knockout format demands utmost concentration because a single lapse can end the run.
Logging challenges also include reintegrating players after the break—especially those who featured for their national teams—while preserving physical and mental readiness for the decisive fixtures.
The staff must align their vision and priorities so that pursuit of continental glory does not derail league or cup progress, and vice versa. Public scrutiny remains high, and the aim is consistent, convincing performances across all tournaments.
Responding to Criticism
Like other big clubs, Al-Ahli faces scrutiny after any stumbles; management frames criticism as a natural part of football and a spur for improvement rather than a burden.
Officials stress that assessments extend beyond a single result or individual errors, encompassing defence, midfield, and attack as part of an effort to restore balance.
The players themselves see criticism as a duty and use it as motivation to deliver better performances, focusing on what happens on the pitch rather than external noise.
Punchlines
Punchline 1: Jaissle’s plan is so flexible that even the ball keeps changing formation mid-air—call it tactical yoga with a touch of chaos.
Punchline 2: If patience is a virtue, this derby just earned a PhD—and the scoreboard might still be writing the diploma in the final minutes.
