A major appointment has been made in the football world, confirming the growing interest of Saudi clubs in European specialists with experience in top leagues. 54-year-old Bosnian coach Marino Pusic has officially become the new head coach of Saudi giants Al-Ahli. The contract with the coach runs until the end of the 2027/28 season, indicating the long-term ambitions of the club's management.

Strategic choice: why Al-Ahli chose Pusic

Marino Pusic arrives at Al-Ahli to replace German specialist Matthias Jaissle, who accepted an offer from English side Newcastle. The Saudi club's management did not look for a candidate "from scratch" but settled on Pusic due to his specific methodological approach. The key factor was the desire to implement an intense, attacking, and flexible style of play, which fits the current squad of Al-Ahli perfectly. Pusic has brought his own staff of assistants, which will allow him to quickly realize his football project.

From the Netherlands to the UAE: the path to Saudi Arabia

Marino Pusic's resume is impressive for its diversity and success in different football cultures. Before moving to the Middle East, he worked for a long time in the Netherlands. There, he led Twente to victory in the First Division, and as part of Arne Slot's staff at Feyenoord, he won the championship and reached the Conference League final. From autumn 2023 to May 2025, Pusic successfully coached Donetsk Shakhtar, winning the Ukrainian championship title and two national Cups. The previous season, preceding the move to Al-Ahli, the Bosnian spent at UAE's Al-Jazira, where he led the team to the AFC Champions League and the final of the local League Cup.

Debut and first tasks

Pusic's official debut as head coach of Al-Ahli will take place on August 13 in a match against Al-Duhail. For the coach, this will be the first step in implementing his strategy in Saudi Arabia. Given that Armenian midfielder Edgar Sercyan plays for the team, Pusic's appointment also generates interest among a wide audience following the careers of foreign players from Eastern Europe.