Al-Ahli lost 6-1 to Al-Shabab at the SHG Arena in Riyadh on 30 October in the twelfth round of the Roshn League. Saudi newspaper Al-Maidan reported that the Al-Ahli board decided to sack head coach Marino Pusic over the heavy defeat.
Result in Riyadh
Al-Shabab beat Al-Ahli 6-1 in the league match on 30 October. The game was played at the SHG Arena in Riyadh.
Timing of the decision
According to Al-Maidan, the decision to sack Pusic came during the match itself and not after the final whistle.
Possible successors
Al-Maidan reported that Al-Ahli made contact with Algerian coach Nour El Din Ben Zekri, who gave his initial approval of the offer and was awaiting further talks. Al-Maidan reported that Sergio Conceicao's name had also been put forward to lead Al-Ahli, but there had been no official approach.
Pusic's spell
Pusic took charge of Al-Ahli at the start of the current season, succeeding Matthias Jaissle. He has led Al-Ahli in 17 matches, winning 11, losing five and drawing one.
