For Matthias Jaissle, this whole Saudi Arabian experience is getting strange. He has blown apart the previous confines of the Asian football scene with his team’s unexpected firepower. The German coach had the sword of Damocles hanging over him as he narrowly avoided the bullet of being sacked in January. Now, he’s turned around the team’s fortunes, taking them to their first-ever Asian title and booking a place in the final against either Al-Nassr or Kawasaki Frontale. This stunning reversal of fortune follows a bleak stretch of performances in the Saudi Pro League to start 2023.
Jaissle’s run was already being questioned after a slow opening to the season. Soon after his appointment, calls for his dismissal increased. He soon got an unlikely stay of execution as powerful supporter fan clubs came out in droves to protest the move. His leadership shined through in a dominant 3-1 semi-final win against Al-Hilal, as their focus and fight was on full display.
Jaissle’s Journey and Team Dynamics
Jaissle is, at the age of 37, a star already rising in the coaching ranks. Prior to that, he was the head coach of Red Bull Salzburg. His education on those European pitches tremendous steel of character and development instincts to his game. Now, he is equipped to meet the demands of managing a big club like Al-Ahli. The players’ support and understanding have been visible during this tough stretch all along.
Roger Ibanez, one of Al-Ahli’s most important players, captured the mood of the entire team toward their coach.
“I think the coach has great support from us, the players. He gives a lot for us and now it’s time for us to give something for him.” – Roger Ibanez
With the relationship between Jaissle and his players deepening, they have made it clear on the field that they are all in it together. Speaking after their recent victory against Bayern, Jaissle was quick to recognise the significance of this unity.
“I just said to them in the locker room when I thanked them that it’s obvious we are a unit, a team, and there is also the fans, who I count as the team, and only with them special things can happen.” – Matthias Jaissle
Looking Ahead to the Final
With Al-Ahli continuing their underdog quality run of form under Jaissle, they are within touching distance of completing one of the greatest accomplishments reached. What was once considered a lost season under his leadership is now a team primed to compete for the program’s first Ritchie trophy. It will be a turning point in Jaissle’s career and a moment in club history.
While speculation mounted regarding potential replacements for Jaissle—most notably former Juventus boss Max Allegri—the current coach remains focused solely on his team’s performance. He aims to finish the year differently than it began, emphasizing that their current success is a result of collective effort.
“I don’t want to talk about my personal situation. It’s an achievement from the whole team,” Jaissle stated, redirecting attention back to his players and their accomplishments.
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