Pereira tops the list of candidates to lead Al-Ahli Jeddah

The curtain has fallen on German coach Matthias Jaissle’s stint with Al Ahly, following his move to English club Newcastle United, after the two parties failed to reach an agreement on contract renewal, thereby ending one of the most successful sporting periods in the club’s history.

Al Ahly’s management appears keen to swiftly resolve the issue of the head coaching position, while ensuring the selection of a manager whose tactical philosophy closely aligns with Jaissle’s approach, in order to preserve the team’s identity and capitalize on the players signed during the recent period.

In this context, Belgian journalist Sasha Taveliere revealed that Al Ahly has entered negotiations with Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira to take charge of the team, a move that could represent the closest option for leading “Al-Raqeeb” in the upcoming season.

Despite the success achieved by the German coach, his departure before the start of the new season places Al Ahly’s management under significant pressure, particularly since the squad was built according to his sporting vision, and most of the domestic and foreign signings were tailored to his style, which is based on high pressing and attacking play.

Jaissle’s departure also raises questions about the future of the sporting project led by Portuguese sporting director Rui Pedro, and the extent to which changing the coaching staff at this juncture will affect team stability, especially as official competitions approach and players need time to adapt to the new manager’s ideas.

During his tenure with Al Ahly, Jaissle left a clear mark on both the sporting and digital fronts, having led the team in 138 matches, securing 90 wins, 25 draws, and 23 defeats. He also won three trophies, becoming the second-most successful coach in terms of victories in Al Ahly’s history.