Mostar-born Marino Pušić takes charge of Saudi Al Ahli
The Croatian coach has signed a contract until 2028 and succeeds Matthias Jaissle, who moved to Newcastle United.
The Croatian coach has signed a contract until 2028 and succeeds Matthias Jaissle, who moved to Newcastle United.
On Thursday, August 6, 2026, Saudi football club Al Ahli, the current Asian champions, officially confirmed the appointment of Croatian coach Marino Pušić as the new head coach. The news was first shared on social media by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who noted that other candidates such as Xavi and Marcelino were not close to an agreement.
The Mostar-born coach will succeed Matthias Jaissle at the helm of the Asian champions, who took over English club Newcastle United after Eddie Howe's departure. Pušić has signed a contract with the new club that runs until 2028.
The 54-year-old joins Al Ahli after leading Al Jazira of the UAE last season, marking his first coaching experience in the Persian Gulf region. Prior to that, he achieved notable success in Europe, in 2024, he led Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk to the league title, and as an assistant coach at Feyenoord in 2023, he won the Dutch Eredivisie.
Additionally, in 2019, he helped Dutch club FC Twente secure promotion to the top tier of Dutch football. His predecessor Jaissle led the Saudi team to two consecutive AFC Champions League titles.
