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Turkey's Coach Drops a Secret Stop at Al-Ahli Jeddah

31 January 2026

Turkey's Coach Drops a Secret Stop at Al-Ahli Jeddah
Montella's visit included jersey gifts and discussions at Al-Ahli Saudi FC.

Visit Highlights

The Italian coach on a special visit to Al-Ahli.

Al-Ahli Saudi club hosted a Turkish delegation led by Italian manager Antonio Montella, with performance analyst Pierpaolo Bolino.

The visit took place at the club's headquarters, where Montella and his assistant were presented jerseys bearing their names, in the presence of German coach Mats Jaesle. Their visit drew media attention from fans and staff.

The club said on X that the meeting was friendly and focused on defender Merih Demiral, with reminiscences about Kishe and discussions with sports director Rui Pedro and head coach Jaesle.

Demiral remains key for Al-Ahli and Turkey, and he is preparing for World Cup qualifiers against Romania, as Slovakia or Kosovo await the playoff winner on the road to 2026.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who visited Al-Ahli Saudi FC?

Italian manager Antonio Montella led the Turkish delegation, with Pierpaolo Bolino.

What was the purpose of the visit?

To check on defender Merih Demiral and reminisce about Kishe, plus discussions with staff.

What are the future events mentioned?

World Cup qualifiers for 2026, involving Turkey and potential playoff routes via Slovakia or Kosovo.

Which clubs and teams were involved?

Al-Ahli Saudi FC and the Turkey national football team.