Al Ahli are in a difficult moment, sitting sixth in the Saudi Pro League with 21 points from 11 matches, and the questions surrounding coach Marino Busichs future are growing louder by the day. A 6-1 thrashing by Shabab in Matchday 12 was the latest blow to confidence, and it has sharpened scrutiny on a squad that has failed to deliver on its pre-season promise. The club's summer signings have drawn criticism, with midfielders Artem Bondarenko and Ibrahima Diaby yet to convince, and Francisco Trincao producing inconsistent performances. Defender Aboubakar Sidibe Keita has barely featured after an injury in pre-season, while the most trusted arrival, Eduard Spertsyan, is now sidelined for up to four weeks with a muscle injury suffered against Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite. His absence removes one of the few reliable creative outlets from Busichs options. Off the pitch, there is some relief. Reports indicate the club will not face strict financial controls, meaning they can move in the January transfer window, and crucially, ending Busichs contract would not trigger those restrictions either. That opens the door to a coaching change if results do not improve. The next domestic fixture brings Al-Faisaly to King Abdullah Sports City on November 20, though the rescheduled derby against Al-Nassr on the same date remains a source of dispute, with both clubs pushing back against the timeline set by the Saudi Pro League.