Al Ahli Saudi management is not contemplating the dismissal of head coach Marino Pušić, despite mounting scrutiny following the team’s defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Speculation surrounding the manager’s future intensified in the wake of the 2–1 loss in South Africa, amplified by supporters and media criticism regarding his second-half tactical management and substitution choices.
According to Saudi TV program Nadina, the Al Ahli board is not holding any discussions regarding Pušić’s exit. Instead, the hierarchy plans to afford the manager further backing and patience to build the side rather than making a premature technical change.
Former Saudi international Hussein Abdulghani stood among the most outspoken critics, asserting that the manager “failed the team” in the second half and characterizing the decision to introduce Artem Bondarenko as provocative. Conversely, Pušić maintained that Al Ahli created superior opportunities, noting that Sundowns capitalized on a limited number of chances.
Pušić officially took charge on August 6, 2026, signing a contract through 2028 as successor to Matthias Jaissle—who departed to manage Newcastle United after leading Al Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles.
The Dutch-Bosnian tactician boasts a strong managerial record with Shakhtar Donetsk, where he claimed both the Ukrainian Premier League and the Ukrainian Cup. He previously served as an assistant during Feyenoord’s Eredivisie title-winning campaign before his spell in the region with UAE side Al Jazira.
Pušić has overseen 11 official matches at Al Ahli so far, recording six wins, one draw, and four defeats. His domestic campaign got off to a mixed start, yields four wins and three defeats across the opening seven rounds.
Al Ahli currently occupy sixth place in the Saudi Pro League with 12 points, scoring 16 goals while conceding 10. In the AFC Champions League Elite Western Zone, the club sits tied for fifth place with one point following a 1–1 draw against Pakhtakor.
Following the international break, Al Ahli face a demanding fixture schedule starting with an away trip to Al Fateh on October 9, followed by an Asian clash against Al Wasl on October 12, and a home encounter against Al Nassr in Jeddah on October 15—a sequence that could define the board’s long-term trust in Pušić.
