Al-Ahli Weigh Pusic’s Future as Conte and Motta Emerge as Coaching Options
Al-Ahli are facing a pivotal decision over head coach Marino Pusic, with growing uncertainty around his position threatening to overshadow preparations for a major Saudi Pro League meeting with Al-Nassr. The club’s leadership has yet to decide whether to continue with the Dutch coach or end his tenure, leaving players and supporters waiting for clarity at a crucial point in the season.
The timing is especially sensitive. Al-Ahli are due to face Al-Nassr on 20 November, according to reports, with the fixture among the most anticipated matches on the club’s immediate schedule. Every day of uncertainty matters: if the board changes coaches before the game, a successor would have limited time to evaluate the squad, settle on a tactical approach and prepare for a high-pressure contest.
Conte and Motta reportedly among the candidates
Italian coaches Antonio Conte and Thiago Motta have been linked with the Al-Ahli job, according to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. Motta is reportedly viewed as the leading option among the names under consideration, while Conte’s potential appointment could be complicated by his reported demand for a substantial salary. German coach Ole Werner has also been mentioned as a possible candidate.
Those reports point to a club weighing several different profiles rather than simply searching for a short-term replacement. A coach’s tactical preferences, experience managing high expectations and ability to adapt quickly would all matter. Al-Ahli have ambitions on both domestic and continental fronts, so the board must consider not only who could take charge immediately, but who could build a team capable of sustaining a challenge over the longer term.
However, a shortlist does not necessarily mean a decision is imminent. The club must first determine whether it believes Pusic can reverse the team’s recent trajectory. If it opts for a change, it would also need to reach an agreement with a successor before formally parting ways with the current coach—an important sequence when the calendar is already crowded.
League position adds to the pressure
Al-Ahli sit sixth in the Saudi Pro League, with 21 points from 11 matches. They are also sixth in the AFC Champions League Elite standings, having collected eight points from four games. Those positions keep the club involved in both competitions, but they may fall short of expectations for a side seeking silverware and a prominent place among Saudi Arabia’s leading teams.
Recent results have reportedly frustrated supporters and revived questions about Pusic’s tactical choices and his use of the players available to him. In a squad expected to compete at a high level, performances are judged not only by the final score but also by consistency, attacking output and the ability to respond when matches become difficult. That scrutiny can quickly intensify when results do not match the club’s ambitions.
Still, league standings offer only part of the picture. With many matches remaining, Al-Ahli have time to improve their position, and a stable coaching environment could help the team build momentum. The key question for the board is whether it sees signs that Pusic can deliver that improvement—or whether a different voice is needed to change the team’s direction.
The risks of changing coaches before Al-Nassr
Replacing Pusic ahead of the Al-Nassr fixture could provide an immediate lift, but it would also create practical challenges. A new coach and staff would have little opportunity to study the squad in detail, establish clear roles or introduce complex tactical changes. Against a direct rival, even small misunderstandings in pressing, defensive positioning or transition play can have a major impact.
The incoming coach would also face an unforgiving first test. Al-Nassr are a high-profile opponent, and the match is likely to draw significant attention from fans and the wider football audience. A strong result could quickly build confidence in a new appointment. A defeat, however, might invite questions before the coach has had sufficient time to make meaningful changes.
There is an equally important risk in waiting. If the board delays its decision until after the match, speculation could continue to distract from training and preparation. Players may be left unsure about the club’s plans, while Pusic would be expected to lead the team despite persistent reports about his future. Stability can be valuable, but only if the club clearly communicates its support.
What the board must consider
Pusic joined Al-Ahli last August on a contract that runs until June 2028. The length of that agreement gives the club a substantial decision to make: keeping him would mean reaffirming its confidence in the project, while ending the arrangement could involve financial and contractual considerations as well as the cost of recruiting a successor.
The board’s choice should therefore rest on more than the result of one match. It will need to assess the team’s performances, the coach’s relationship with the squad, progress in training and the likelihood that a new appointment would produce a meaningful improvement. It must also decide whether any available candidate can realistically take charge and make an impact within the limited time before the Al-Nassr game.
For supporters searching for an Al-Ahli versus Al-Nassr prediction, the coaching uncertainty is an important factor—but not a guarantee of how the match will unfold. A change could create renewed energy, while continuity could give the players a clearer routine. Either way, the team’s preparation, discipline and ability to handle pressure are likely to matter more than speculation alone.
A defining stretch for Al-Ahli
The coming days could shape both the immediate build-up to Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli’s wider season. Keeping Pusic would require a decisive show of backing, allowing the coach and players to focus on results. Appointing a replacement would demand swift negotiations and a realistic plan for getting the squad ready without rushing major changes.
Whichever route the club takes, clarity is essential. Al-Ahli are competing in the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Elite, leaving little room for prolonged distraction. Supporters want a return to winning football and a credible challenge for trophies. The board’s next move will determine whether that pursuit continues under Pusic or begins with a new coach in the dugout.
