Jaissle praises Al-Ahli supporters after the Asian title’s “crazy journey” is over

Coach Matthias Jaissle, who led his team to the Asian Champions League Elite on Saturday, two years after the Jeddah-based squad was competing in Saudi Arabia’s second division, praised Al-Ahli’s fans for their loyalty to the team.

In front of a boisterous crowd at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the home team defeated Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale 2-0, guaranteeing that the team would be included to the tournament’s roll of honor alongside Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal, two other Saudi Pro League teams.

“It’s a crazy journey to be honest,” Jaissle remarked of Al-Ahli’s ascent to the Asian peak. A short while ago, it had a very different appearance.

The club and its supporters, however, deserved it. The men have the potential to perform today and return something they deserve because of their incredible emotionality and support for the club.

Although Al-Ahli is regarded as one of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs, they have frequently been overshadowed by Al-Ittihad, their neighbors, and Al-Hilal, a team from Riyadh.

In 2004 and 2005, Al-Ittihad, the current Saudi Pro League leaders, won the Asian Champions League twice in a row. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal has won the continental championship four times, most recently in 2021.

In contrast, Al-Ahli had advanced to the second division of Asia’s club championship twice without taking home the trophy, and they had a rough 2022.

Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney were among the players drawn to the club by the substantial investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in 2023, even though a quick return to the Saudi Pro League was guaranteed.

The club hasn’t won a domestic league title since 2016 thanks to those high-profile acquisitions, but against Kawasaki, goals from Franck Kessie and Galeno in the first half guaranteed the team’s first Asian title with an undefeated record.

Jaissle, who joined the team prior to their debut in the Saudi Pro League, expressed his pride in the players. “How well they were doing during the competition.

“They worked really hard on it, and the supporters never failed to provide us with incredible support and an incredible atmosphere.

“Together, we can accomplish extraordinary feats, and tonight’s event was no exception. I was nearly silent.

“With all due respect to our opponent, they helped us out. We truly deserved it, all in all. We didn’t lose this competition at all. Huge congrats to the players and the entire team.