Marino Pušić has broken his silence over mounting speculation about his future at Al Ahly, publicly acknowledging the administrative turmoil engulfing the Saudi Pro League club while insisting he retains the board's full backing. The Dutch coach's candid remarks come as the Red Giants prepare to face Al-Hazem in the seventh round of the 2025-26 season, with his position under increasing scrutiny following recent departures within the club's hierarchy.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Pušić offered rare transparency about the chaos behind the scenes. "There is indeed a state of instability at Al Ahly, and the sporting director who signed me has been dismissed, but the management told me that they trust me," he revealed. The admission reflects the turbulence that has unsettled the club's coaching environment, yet the 61-year-old strategist remains resolute in his commitment to the project. Al Ahly's administrative upheaval has created uncertainty, but Pušić's message to stakeholders is unambiguous: he is not walking away.
Defending Philosophy Amid Pressure
The veteran tactician defended his footballing approach while acknowledging criticism over defensive vulnerabilities. "As everyone knows, I always lean towards attacking play, but we should not ignore the defensive side in our matches," Pušić stated, balancing his reputation for offensive intensity with pragmatic realism. His comments suggest a willingness to evolve his methods to suit Al Ahly's current squad composition and defensive requirements.
Pušić also pushed back against perceptions of poor form by highlighting Al Ahly's record in away fixtures. He pointed to two King's Cup victories secured on the road as evidence his side can elevate their performance when required. However, the numbers tell a harsher story: Al Ahly have won just three of their opening six league matches, suffering defeats to Al-Khaleej, Al-Hilal, and Al-Qadsiah. This inconsistency has fueled questions about whether Pušić possesses the tactical answers to restore the club to championship contender status.
With the Al-Hazem match presenting an immediate opportunity to silence doubters, Pušić faces a critical juncture. A victory would strengthen his negotiating position amid the boardroom turbulence and inject momentum into Al Ahly's flagging Saudi Pro League campaign. The Dutch coach's resolve will be tested against a side desperate to climb the table, making tomorrow's encounter far more than a routine fixture.
