“A crazy journey”
German trainer celebrates great triumph
04.05.2025 – 10:37 a.m.Reading time: 1 min.
From the crash to the second class to the winner of the Asian Champions League: Al-Nahli has taken a remarkable development under Matthias Jaissle.
When Al-Nahli had to cope with the descent from the first Saudi Arabian league three years ago, an international title was hard to think. Now the club has won the Asian Champions League for the first time in its history – with Matthias Jaissle on the sidelines. For the 37-year-old coach from Germany, it is a milestone after moving years in professional football.
After the 2-0 win in the final against Kawasaki Frontale, Jaissle not only recognized the performance of his team, but also the support of the followers. He explained: “I am so proud of the players how they behaved in this competition, how they performed, how the trip went”, and added: “And also to the fans who created an incredible atmosphere that we never see for granted.”
Jaissle’s way to Saudi Arabia was anything but straightforward. In Austria, he was long considered an emerging trainer, only at Liefering, later at Red Bull Salzburg. But his exchange intentions to Saudi Arabia led to an abrupt break in the summer of 2023. Shortly before the start of the season, the Salzburgers surprisingly separated from their head coach after the negotiations with Al-Ahli became known. Just a few days later, Jaissle signed at the Saudi club.
The title win in the premier class of the Asian club football is now a preliminary climax. “It was a crazy journey. Not too long ago it looked very different,” said Jaissle in retrospect in his time at Al-Nahli.