Al-Ahly's 3-2 defeat to Al-Qadsiah in the sixth round of the Saudi Roshn Pro League has intensified scrutiny on manager Marino Pusecnik, with former Saudi international Hussein Abdel Ghani questioning the Dutchman's tactical decisions and player management. Speaking on MBC's Nadeena programme, Abdel Ghani levelled criticism at how the coach is deploying his squad, particularly the club's high-profile recruits.
Abdel Ghani argued that after eight matches across all competitions, Pusecnik should have established clear understanding of his players' capabilities and tactical roles. Instead, the former Al-Ahly star contended that misalignment between personnel and positioning is compounding the club's instability. The core issue, he suggested, lies not with player quality but with strategic deployment—a responsibility that falls squarely on the head coach's shoulders.
The Artem Bondarenko Controversy
The sharpest criticism targeted Pusecnik's handling of Ukrainian winger Artem Bondarenko, a player the manager personally recruited. Bondarenko featured in matches against Al-Kholood and Al-Riyadh but was completely omitted from squad selections for clashes with Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah. Abdel Ghani described this approach as "weakness and cowardice," arguing that withholding Bondarenko from high-stakes fixtures undermines his confidence and sends a negative signal to supporters. "Any player can face criticism from emotional fans," Abdel Ghani reasoned, "but pressure is what tests and develops quality."
He framed Pusecnik's cautious approach as protective rather than progressive, a distinction that compounds the strategic problem. By shielding Bondarenko from demanding matches, the coach risks creating a psychological barrier that extends beyond a single player, potentially affecting team morale and fan engagement.
Call for Tactical Overhaul
Abdel Ghani urged Pusecnik to fundamentally reconsider his tactical framework and match preparation strategy in the coming weeks, particularly ahead of the Intercontinental Cup fixture against South Africa's Sundowns. More broadly, he stressed that fan support remains essential during this transitional period. Filling the stadiums during Al-Ahly's upcoming home matches in Jeddah is, he insisted, the most practical immediate solution for lifting the team's performance and atmosphere.
With Al-Ahly searching for consistency in the Saudi Roshn Pro League, the pressure mounts on Pusecnik to demonstrate tactical flexibility and justified faith in his roster selection.
