Al-Ahli’s Doha Trip Eases Immediate Doubts Over Marino Pusic’s Future
Reports that Al-Ahli had dismissed head coach Marino Pusic after a crushing defeat to Al-Shabab appear to have been premature. The Saudi club’s subsequent journey to Doha, with the Dutchman leading the travelling delegation, suggests he remains in charge for now—though the result has intensified scrutiny of his position.
Al-Shabab beat Al-Ahli 6-1 on Friday at SHG Arena in Riyadh, in a dramatic result during the 12th round of the Roshn Saudi League. The scale of the loss quickly prompted speculation about a change in the dugout, with local reports claiming Al-Ahli’s management had decided to part ways with Pusic before the match had even finished. Potential replacements were also said to be under consideration.
However, Pusic’s presence with the squad as it travelled to Qatar offers a strong indication that no immediate dismissal has taken place. Al-Ahli are preparing to face Al-Sadd in the fourth round of the AFC Champions League Elite league phase, and the coach’s involvement in the trip suggests the club is proceeding with him at least for this important fixture.
Heavy defeat raises pressure on Al-Ahli
The 6-1 scoreline was a major setback for Al-Ahli, particularly given the expectations surrounding a team competing at the top level of Saudi football. A defeat by such a margin can quickly turn attention from individual errors to wider questions about tactics, preparation, confidence and the coach’s ability to respond.
Al-Shabab’s emphatic victory also made the result especially difficult to dismiss as a routine bad day. For Al-Ahli, the immediate challenge is to assess what went wrong and prevent the loss from affecting performances in the weeks ahead. A strong response in continental competition would help restore belief, while another disappointing display could increase calls for changes.
That makes the upcoming match in Doha more than just another fixture. It is an opportunity for Pusic and his players to show that the Riyadh defeat has not unsettled the team. In football, a demanding schedule can leave little time for reflection, and coaches are often judged by how quickly they can steady a squad after a damaging result.
Al-Sadd match offers an early test
Al-Ahli are set to meet Al-Sadd on Monday in the AFC Champions League Elite. The match gives Pusic an immediate chance to shift the focus from the domestic loss to the club’s continental campaign. It also presents a difficult test: Al-Sadd are a prominent side in Qatar, and playing away from home adds another layer of pressure.
For Al-Ahli, the priorities will be to improve defensive organisation, limit costly mistakes and re-establish control in key areas of the pitch. After conceding six goals, the team’s ability to remain compact and respond calmly under pressure is likely to attract particular attention. The players’ reaction will matter just as much as the tactical plan.
The fixture could also shape the next stage of the coaching debate. A convincing performance would not necessarily erase the disappointment of the Al-Shabab match, but it could reinforce the case for giving Pusic more time. Conversely, another poor result may revive speculation about his future, regardless of his presence on the trip.
Pusic’s record since taking charge
Pusic became Al-Ahli’s head coach at the start of the current season, taking over from German manager Matthias Jaissle. Since then, he has overseen 17 matches, recording 11 wins, five defeats and one draw. Those figures indicate that his tenure has included a substantial number of victories, even as the latest result has raised fresh concerns.
That record provides useful context, but it does not settle the question of whether the club’s leadership is satisfied. Coaches at major clubs are often assessed not only on their overall results but also on consistency, performance in high-profile matches and the team’s ability to compete across several competitions. A single heavy defeat can therefore carry more weight than the league table alone might suggest.
At the same time, Al-Ahli’s decision to travel with Pusic points to a more measured situation than the initial reports implied. It does not prove that his position is secure over the long term, but it does suggest that the club has not publicly acted on rumours of an immediate dismissal. Until an official announcement is made, claims about a completed coaching change should be treated cautiously.
What to watch next
The key question is whether Al-Ahli can turn the Doha trip into a reset. Supporters will be looking for a more disciplined display, a clear response from the players and signs that the squad remains behind its coach. The club’s performance against Al-Sadd may also offer clues about whether Pusic intends to make significant tactical or personnel changes after the defeat.
Any prediction about Pusic’s future remains uncertain. His presence with the delegation indicates that he is still leading the team for now, but the result against Al-Shabab has clearly raised the stakes. A positive showing in the AFC Champions League Elite could ease the immediate pressure; another setback would likely bring the coaching question back to the forefront.
For the moment, the confirmed picture is straightforward: Al-Ahli lost heavily in Riyadh, Pusic travelled with the squad to Qatar, and the team now faces a crucial continental test against Al-Sadd. Whether the Dutch coach can guide the club through this difficult moment will depend on the response his players deliver on the pitch.
