Olli Werner Emerges as Al-Ahli Coaching Candidate Amid Marino Pusic Pressure
Al-Ahli are reportedly considering a change in the dugout, with former RB Leipzig coach Olli Werner again being discussed as a possible successor to Dutch coach Marino Pusic. The Saudi club’s recent results have intensified questions about Pusic’s future, although financial considerations could complicate any move.
According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Werner’s name has returned to Al-Ahli’s shortlist as the Jeddah side assess their options for the remainder of the season. No appointment has been confirmed, and the club would need to resolve the financial details before negotiations could advance.
Al-Ahli weigh a mid-season coaching change
Reports have previously indicated that Al-Ahli are considering ending Pusic’s tenure after a run of inconsistent performances. For a club with ambitions to compete near the top of the Saudi Pro League, results are only part of the picture: supporters also expect a clear playing identity, reliable performances in major fixtures and progress across competitions.
Changing coaches during a season can offer a struggling team a fresh start, but it also carries risks. A new manager must quickly understand the squad, establish tactical priorities and build relationships with players—all while competing for points. Al-Ahli would therefore have to decide whether Werner’s experience and style make him the right fit, rather than treating a coaching switch as a guaranteed solution.
The reported financial obstacle is especially significant. Werner was previously linked with a substantial offer from Al-Ahli, and any renewed approach would likely require the club to agree terms that satisfy both the coach and its own budget. Salary is only one part of the calculation: contract length, staff appointments and the cost of ending Pusic’s agreement could also shape the decision.
Werner previously came close to joining Al-Ahli
This is not the first time Werner has been connected with the Saudi club. He reportedly came close to taking charge of Al-Ahli last August, after his compatriot Matthias Jaissle resigned less than two weeks before the start of the season. The timing left the club needing to find a replacement quickly.
Reports at the time said Werner accepted an initial proposal worth around €11 million per year. He later changed his mind, choosing to take a break instead of moving to Jeddah. Al-Ahli subsequently appointed Pusic, but the earlier negotiations mean Werner is already familiar with the club’s interest and the scale of its ambitions.
That history could make a second approach easier to explore, but it does not guarantee an agreement. Werner’s priorities may have changed since last summer, while Al-Ahli’s current needs and financial position may also be different. Any renewed talks would depend on whether both sides are prepared to revisit the opportunity on mutually acceptable terms.
Pusic’s record and the pressure for improvement
Pusic has overseen 18 matches since taking charge of Al-Ahli, recording 11 wins, two draws and five defeats. Those figures show that the team has produced positive results as well as setbacks. However, the overall record does not tell the full story of the club’s concerns, particularly if performances have fallen short of expectations or the team has struggled to maintain consistency.
For supporters, the key question is whether Al-Ahli are improving. A coach can earn patience through visible progress: better organisation without the ball, more effective attacking combinations and stronger performances against direct rivals. If those signs are missing, even a respectable win total may not be enough to quiet speculation.
Any decision about Pusic’s future will also depend on the club’s assessment of the squad. Injuries, fixture congestion and the time available to train can all affect results. Al-Ahli’s leadership must weigh those factors against the cost and disruption of making a change, particularly with the season still underway.
What Werner could bring to the Saudi Pro League
Werner’s most recent major role was at RB Leipzig, where he took charge for a single campaign. The German side finished third in the league and reached the quarter-finals of the domestic cup before exiting the competition. That record suggests a coach accustomed to working in a demanding environment, where qualification for major competitions and consistent performance are central expectations.
A move to Al-Ahli would present a different challenge. Werner would need to adapt to a new league, a different football culture and a squad assembled to compete in Saudi Arabia. His ability to communicate a clear tactical plan and quickly earn the players’ trust could be just as important as his previous results in Germany.
Al-Ahli may also consider whether Werner’s approach suits the strengths of its current squad. A successful appointment is not simply a matter of reputation; it depends on matching a coach’s methods with the players available and the club’s longer-term strategy. If the fit is strong, a change could help the team regain momentum. If not, another transition could create further uncertainty.
Al-Ahli’s next steps and the prediction for the coaching race
For now, Werner should be viewed as a candidate rather than a confirmed appointment. The reported financial challenge remains a major factor, and there has been no official announcement that Pusic will leave or that Werner has agreed to take over. Until the club makes its position clear, speculation is likely to continue.
The most realistic prediction is that Al-Ahli will assess both the cost of retaining Pusic and the practical requirements of bringing in a replacement before making a final decision. Werner’s previous near-move makes him a credible option, but the club may also consider other coaches if negotiations do not progress.
Al-Ahli’s upcoming Saudi Pro League fixtures could influence the timing. A strong run may ease pressure and give Pusic more time, while further disappointing performances could increase calls for immediate action. Whatever the outcome, the club’s priority will be finding a solution that improves results without undermining its plans for the rest of the campaign.
For fans following the football story, the central issue is not only who succeeds Pusic, but whether Al-Ahli can build a stable, competitive project. Werner’s name has returned to the conversation, yet the final decision will depend on finances, timing and the club’s confidence that a new coach can deliver meaningful progress.
