Al Ahli are in genuine difficulty early in the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season, and the 3-0 derby defeat to Al Hilal on September 1 crystallised everything that has gone wrong. Beaten convincingly at the Kingdom Arena, the defending Asian Champions League holders sit seventh with six points from four matches, already six points behind the pacesetters. The performance raised serious questions about the team's identity under new head coach Marino Bositic, with one report describing a clear absence of personality from the side.

The fallout from the Hilal loss has been sharp. Striker Ivan Toni, the league's top scorer with four goals, publicly criticised his teammates after the match, saying too many players were not contributing enough. That kind of public friction rarely helps a squad rebuild confidence. Defender Merih Demiral was sent off in the first half, leaving the team to play much of the match a man down, and a separate editorial called on the Turkish centre-back to reflect honestly on his conduct.

Off the pitch, the situation is no calmer. Reports indicate that several players have joined fan groups in opposing the role of Portuguese sporting director Rui Pedro, accusing him of creating a negative atmosphere inside the club that had not existed during the previous three successful years. With the transfer window still open until September 6, there are also questions about squad depth after Frank Kessie's departure, and a potential move for Monaco teenager Babi Cabral has divided supporters. Al Ahli host Al Riyadh on Friday in a match they must win to arrest the early-season slide.