Al Ahli are in serious trouble early in the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season, and the pressure on manager Marino Bosicic is mounting by the day. Three defeats from six matches have left the Jeddah club ninth in the table with just nine points, already well adrift of leaders Al Hilal and Al Nassr. The latest setback came against Al Qadsiah, who won 3-2 at Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium, a result that sparked widespread calls for Bosicic's dismissal across Saudi football media.

The problems run deeper than results alone. The club dismissed sporting director Rui Pedro Baraz earlier this season following a summer transfer window that saw several key foreign players depart and be replaced by names of lesser quality. Midfielder Marcelo Brozovic is reportedly carrying a chronic injury, adding to a squad that already looks stretched. Defender Merih Demiral drew attention after the Qadsiah defeat for his visible frustration, while refereeing controversies have added further noise around the club, with two analysts claiming Al Ahli were denied clear penalties in that match.

Bosicic has publicly acknowledged problems within the squad, but his position remains uncertain. The comparison to his predecessor Matthias Jaissle, who was dismissed last season, is being made openly in Saudi media. Al Ahli face Al Hazem at King Abdullah Sports City next, a match they must win to avoid falling further behind in what is already a difficult start to a season where the league title was their stated ambition.