Al-Ahly Saudi suffered their third league defeat in six matches on Tuesday, falling 3-2 to Al-Qadsiah in a performance that has left supporters questioning manager Marino Pusic's tactical direction. The Saudi Pro League side, nicknamed "the Elegant One," has now won three and lost three this season, a stark contrast to their continental dominance under predecessor Matthias Jaissle, who delivered two AFC Champions League Elite titles.
Pusic's struggling tenure has triggered widespread criticism from Al-Ahly's fanbase and media observers. Former club media director Mohammed Al-Shaikhi lambasted the Dutch coach on social media, describing a "lost coach," an exposed midfield, and "street-level defence." The critique extended beyond individual personnel, with prominent fan accounts highlighting systemic failures in squad construction and tactical implementation. One observer noted the inconsistency of pairing expensive signings with questionable defensive discipline, particularly in how players like Rayan Hamed and Attanganamm positioned themselves during Al-Qadsiah's goals.
Tactical Missteps and Squad Mismanagement
Analysis of Tuesday's defeat revealed fundamental issues with Pusic's approach. The decision to deploy a single defensive pivot against Al-Qadsiah proved problematic, while the positioning of attacking players generated further confusion. Critics highlighted the misuse of Trincao, deployed ineffectively in midfield when he offers more value on the wing, and questioned why Firas operated as an unconventional winger in a match-day experiment that backfired. Fans pointed out that individual errors cannot solely rest on coaching shoulders when players are being asked to operate outside their best positions and comfort zones.
Beyond tactical concerns, Al-Ahly supporters directed blame toward club leadership for failing to construct a coherent project. One fan account argued that the club brings players beneath its continental stature while simultaneously failing to provide resources matching its AFC Champions League obligations. This disconnect between ambition and investment has created an unstable environment where neither coach nor players can flourish.
What Lies Ahead for Al-Ahly
With six games played and momentum clearly against them, Al-Ahly must address both coaching strategy and squad composition to salvage their season. The gap between their former European pedigree and current domestic struggles suggests structural problems that extend beyond Pusic's first-season adjustments. Supporters will be watching closely to see whether management backs their manager with clarity of purpose or whether further changes loom.
