Can Marino Pusic Lead Al-Ahli to a Crucial Victory Over Al-Nassr?
Marino Pusic is pressing ahead with preparations for one of Al-Ahli’s most important fixtures of the season, even as calls for his dismissal grow louder. The Dutch coach is expected to return to training with the Jeddah club after the international break, with his attention fixed on the postponed Roshn League clash against traditional rivals Al-Nassr.
The high-stakes football meeting offers Pusic an immediate opportunity to answer his critics on the pitch. Al-Ahli need a strong result to strengthen their position in the title race, while Al-Nassr will be aiming to keep pressure on the teams above them. With both clubs pursuing important objectives, the match could have a significant impact on the Saudi Pro League standings—and on the mood surrounding Al-Ahli’s coach.
Pressure Builds on Pusic Before the Clasico
Al-Ahli supporters have voiced growing frustration with the team’s performances since the start of the campaign. A social media campaign using the hashtag “Pusic’s departure is our demand” reflects the strength of the criticism, with some fans calling for the club to appoint a new coach after a run of disappointing results.
Despite the pressure, Pusic is continuing to prepare the squad for the Al-Nassr fixture. Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah reported that he is scheduled to lead training as normal on Wednesday, following the rest period granted to players during the international window. His decision to maintain the planned schedule suggests the coaching staff are focused on match preparation rather than allowing the debate over his future to disrupt the group.
For Pusic, the challenge is not simply to produce a competitive performance. Al-Ahli need to show greater consistency, sharpen their attacking play and avoid the lapses that have contributed to their uneven start. A victory over a direct contender would provide a powerful response to the criticism. A poor result, by contrast, could intensify scrutiny of the coach and raise further questions about the team’s direction.
International Absences Complicate Al-Ahli’s Preparation
Al-Ahli are expected to be without five players who have joined their national teams during the international break. The absentees include Saudi internationals Firas Al-Buraikan and Ziyad Al-Juhani, Frenchman Valentin Atangana, Turkish defender Merih Demiral and Portuguese forward Francisco Trincao.
Their availability and condition will be important factors as the club approaches the match. International duty can leave players with limited recovery time, while travel and differing training schedules may affect how quickly they can rejoin their teammates. Pusic and his staff will need to assess each player carefully and decide whether to restore them to the starting lineup or rely on alternatives.
The absences could also create an opportunity for squad players to make an impression. A demanding fixture against Al-Nassr requires depth across the pitch, particularly if Al-Ahli are to maintain their intensity for the full 90 minutes. The coach’s selection choices will therefore be closely watched, especially if any returning internationals are not fully fit.
League Positions Raise the Stakes
Al-Nassr enter the contest in third place with 25 points, two behind league leaders Al-Hilal. They are level on points with second-placed Al-Qadsiah but sit below them on goal difference. With the leading clubs separated by a narrow margin, every result matters—and a win in Jeddah could help Al-Nassr remain firmly in the title conversation.
Al-Ahli are sixth with 21 points, having recorded seven victories and four defeats. Although they are not currently among the top three, the gap to the summit is still within reach. Beating Al-Nassr would bring them closer to the leading pack and could transform the outlook of their season. Losing, however, would make the climb more difficult and leave the club with less room for error in the matches ahead.
That difference in league position gives the fixture an added edge. Al-Nassr are defending their place near the top, while Al-Ahli are trying to turn a promising points total into a genuine challenge. Both teams have clear incentives to attack, but the first priority may be avoiding mistakes that could hand a direct rival a decisive advantage.
What Could Decide the Football Prediction?
Any football prediction for this Clasico must account for more than the league table. Al-Nassr’s position gives them a strong case, but Al-Ahli’s home advantage and need for a statement result could make the contest far more balanced than the standings suggest. The atmosphere at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah is likely to add intensity, particularly if the home side start aggressively.
Al-Ahli’s key task will be to combine urgency with discipline. Chasing an early goal could lift the crowd and put pressure on Al-Nassr, but leaving too much space behind the defence would invite dangerous counterattacks. The hosts will need to manage transitions carefully, protect their back line and make effective use of possession in the final third.
For Al-Nassr, patience may be just as important as attacking quality. Their league position gives them a reason to avoid unnecessary risks, while their ability to exploit openings could prove decisive if Al-Ahli push forward. The visitors will also be aware that a draw would keep them in the race, even if victory would be the more valuable outcome.
A Defining Night for Al-Ahli and Their Coach
The postponed ninth-round Roshn League match, scheduled for 20 November at Al-Inma Stadium, arrives at a pivotal moment for both clubs. Al-Nassr can reinforce its challenge near the top of the table; Al-Ahli can close the gap and give their campaign fresh momentum. For Pusic, the fixture also represents a chance to shift the conversation from fan protests to football.
Whether the Dutch coach can deliver that response will depend on his team’s preparation, the condition of the returning internationals and the effectiveness of his tactical plan. A victory would not automatically end doubts about Al-Ahli’s season, but it would offer a substantial boost to confidence and strengthen his position. In a rivalry match with major league consequences, the result could shape far more than the standings—it may influence the direction of Al-Ahli’s campaign.
