Saudi Legends on the Bench: Tariq Diab Names the Best Coaches in the Kingdom

Former Al Ahli Jeddah star Tariq Diab named the coaches who left the deepest imprint on Saudi football, placing Jorge Jesus in an exceptional list. Diab, who played for Al Ahli in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with much of his career spent with Espérance de Tunis, spoke on the platform “Eight,” the Saudi league’s official broadcaster, raising a central question: who opened the door for Saudi coaches to seize opportunities?

Diab pointed to Khalil Al-Zayani as the coach who did exactly that, lifting the banner for Saudi coaching and helping to break the long-standing dominance of foreign names after Asia‑level success with the Green Falcons. He notes that Al-Zayani’s achievements sparked a shift that allowed Saudi trainers to gain traction at the top level. Al-Zayani is remembered as a pioneer and the dean of Saudi coaching for his work with several clubs and for guiding the national team to a historic Asia Cup triumph in 1984.

Jesus Enters the List

Among the coaches Diab included in his exceptional list is the Portuguese Jorge Jesus, widely known for his attacking football. Diab described Jesus as a coach with distinctive ideas and a fearless approach, noting his successful spell with Al Hilal and his ongoing high‑level work with Al Nassr. He emphasized that Jesus plays to win and brings a philosophy that thrills fans when the stands fill to 60,000 or 70,000 in Saudi stadiums, underscoring that football should be enjoyed as much as it is competed for.

Diab also highlighted other influential names who have left a mark on Saudi clubs, including the Romanian Cosmin Olăroiu, who previously led teams like Al Hilal and Al Shabab, and the Brazilian Didi, who guided Al Ahli during Diab’s playing days, bringing a Brazilian style of short passes and fast transitions that resonated with the crowd.

Inzaghi’s Impact and the Easy Task Ahead

Diab’s list also nods to Ramon Díaz, who previously coached Al Hilal and led teams to domestic success and near‑continental finals. While some coaches have thrived, Diab notes that Italian coach Simoni Inzaghi, at the helm of Al Hilal, has not yet delivered everything he is capable of, despite a solid World Club Cup campaign in the United States and an undefeated start to the current season. Diab, quoting Saudi press, suggested there’s still room for the coach to harmonize his methods with the squad’s dynamics and physical rhythm as the season progresses.

Looking ahead, Diab mentions a seemingly straightforward challenge: Al Hilal facing Al Fateh in a match that could tighten the race at the top and test the squad’s cohesion as they chase league leadership and success in domestic cups and Asia. The team remains unbeaten in the league, while also advancing in domestic and continental competitions, testament to the ongoing evolution of Saudi football’s coaching landscape.

Punchline time: If coaching were a stand‑up act, these managers would headline every stadium—just bring the lightest formation and the heaviest squad, and let the jokes and goals roll. Punchline two: Saudi football is so coaching‑savvy right now that even the bench has a better on‑stage presence than most actors—talk about high‑pressure drama with a ball at your feet.