Al Ahli are enduring one of the most difficult stretches of their season, and the pressure on coach Marino Boussekin has rarely been greater. A 6-1 defeat to Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League was damaging enough, but the failure to follow it up with a win, drawing 0-0 with Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite, has deepened the sense of crisis around the Jeddah club. Fans chanted for Boussekin's removal at full time in Doha, and the coach's decision not to approach the supporters afterwards only added to the tension. He later explained he prefers to leave that moment for the players, but the gesture did little to calm the mood.

The financial reality is complicating any managerial change. Sports journalist Abdullah Ahmed reported that buying out Boussekin's contract, which runs until June 2028, would cost the club more than 45 million Saudi riyals. That figure appears to be the main reason he remains in charge, with the upcoming international break seen as the last realistic window for a decision.

Injuries are adding to the squad's difficulties. Valentin Atangana was forced off inside 20 minutes against Al-Sadd after a collision with a teammate, and his fitness remains unclear. Zakaria Housawi and Saleh Abou Shamat are also sidelined. Despite the turbulence, Al Ahli sit sixth in the Saudi Pro League with 21 points from 11 games, and host Al-Taawoun on 7 November.