Al Ahli are in the middle of a full-blown managerial crisis, with coach Marino Pusic widely expected to leave the club before the international break ends. The Dutchman has faced fierce criticism since taking charge in the summer of 2026, but a humiliating 6-1 defeat to Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League and a subsequent goalless draw against Al-Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite have pushed fan patience to breaking point. The club sits sixth in both the Saudi Pro League on 21 points from 11 games and in the AFC Champions League Elite West Group standings, a sharp fall for a side that won the continental title in each of the last two seasons.

A contractual buyout clause worth more than 45 million Saudi riyals has complicated the club's ability to act quickly, but reports now indicate a decision is imminent. Thiago Motta, who guided Bologna to a historic Champions League qualification before a difficult spell at Juventus ended in March 2025, is described as the frontrunner. Antonio Conte has been ruled out after his agent publicly dismissed the reports as untrue.

The squad situation is also worsening. Midfielder Eduard Spertsyan, one of Al Ahli's most influential players this season with three goals and seven assists across all competitions, faces up to four weeks out with a muscle injury. Pusic has also told wingers Wenderson Galeno and Naif Masoud to find new clubs in the January window, though reports suggest the coach himself will depart before that transfer market opens.