German coach Matthias departs Al-Ahli Saudi

Saudi clubs continue their preparations for the new season, which will kick off with the matches of the Roshn Saudi League on August 13. Al-Ittihad lost a friendly match yesterday to Spanish side Real Mallorca 4-2, during their training camp in Marbella. The Tigers will launch their season with a match against UAE-based Al-Jazira on August 11, as part of the playoff round for qualification to the group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite.

Al-Hilal also suffered a defeat, losing 2-0 to Algerian side MC Alger in a friendly match during their preparatory camp in Austria. This marks Al-Hilal’s first loss during their pre-season camp stages, having started their campaign with two consecutive victories against Austrian club Sturm Graz (2-1) and South African side Mamelodi Sundowns (2-0).

Al-Hilal is scheduled to conclude their overseas camp with a strong fixture against Qatari side Al-Ahli on August 3. Italian coach Simone Inzaghi aims to use this final session to improve team cohesion, preparing for a demanding season in which the club seeks to return to the podium and regain local and continental dominance after losing both the league title and the AFC Champions League Elite crown last season.

On another note, media reports indicated that German coach Matthias Jaissle, the 38-year-old head coach of Al-Ahli Saudi Club, has submitted his resignation. Al-Ahli is expected to issue an official statement clarifying the details and circumstances of the coach’s departure and confirming the identity of the team’s new technical leadership for the upcoming phase.

This development comes amid growing rumors that Jaissle is close to embarking on a new professional experience in the English Premier League, with Newcastle United reportedly in talks.

Jaissle took charge of Al-Ahli’s technical staff for the 2023-2024 season, arriving from Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg. During his tenure, he successfully left a historic mark by leading the team to win the AFC Champions League Elite title in two consecutive seasons, in addition to securing the Saudi Super Cup.