Marino Pusic Rejects Al-Ahli Sack Talk After 6-1 Defeat to Al-Shabab
Al-Ahli coach Marino Pusic responded angrily to a question about his future after his side suffered a stunning 6-1 defeat to Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. The Dutchman was clearly unhappy with reports linking him to a possible dismissal, insisting that the scale of the loss did not change his commitment to the job.
Al-Shabab overwhelmed Al-Ahli on Friday at Riyadh’s SHG Arena, handing the visitors a damaging result in the 12th round of the Roshn League. The scoreline was a sharp contrast to Al-Ahli’s recent run of five consecutive victories and quickly raised questions about the team’s defensive performance, Pusic’s decisions and the pressure facing the coach.
“You Should Be Ashamed of the Question”
At the post-match press conference, Pusic was asked whether the defeat could have been his final game in charge. According to Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, he responded: “You should be ashamed of the question.”
His reaction reflected the intensity of the moment, but Pusic also acknowledged the disappointment felt by supporters. He described the result as both heavy and unexpected, while accepting that the team’s performance fell well below the standard required.
“We lost by a big and unexpected scoreline, we made many individual mistakes, the fans have the right to express what they feel, and I am a professional coach,” Pusic said.
The coach’s comments pointed to a difficult balance for Al-Ahli: recognizing the anger surrounding a six-goal defeat while trying to prevent one poor night from defining the team’s wider campaign. Fans are entitled to demand answers, particularly after a result of this magnitude, but the immediate priority for the coaching staff will be to identify why the side lost control so quickly.
Early Errors Put Al-Ahli on the Back Foot
Pusic said individual mistakes during the opening 25 minutes had complicated the match. When a team concedes early or repeatedly gives away possession in dangerous areas, its tactical plan can unravel. Al-Ahli were unable to recover from the difficult start, and Al-Shabab took advantage of the openings to build a commanding lead.
That explanation does not erase the concerns raised by the result. A 6-1 scoreline suggests problems that may extend beyond a handful of isolated errors, including the team’s defensive organization, communication and ability to respond under pressure. Al-Ahli will need to review the match closely and make sure those issues do not carry into their next fixture.
Still, Pusic highlighted the five-match winning streak that preceded the defeat. That run offers some context: Al-Ahli had shown they could produce consistent results before Friday’s setback. The challenge now is to establish whether the loss was an isolated collapse or a sign of deeper weaknesses that opponents can exploit.
Apology to Supporters as Al-Ahli Turn to Al-Sadd
Pusic apologized to Al-Ahli’s fans and promised that the team would work hard ahead of its next match. The club’s immediate focus shifts from domestic competition to the AFC Champions League Elite, where Al-Ahli are due to travel to Qatar to face Al-Sadd in the fourth round of the league phase.
The fixture offers a fast opportunity to respond, but it also presents a demanding test. Al-Sadd are a major opponent, and Al-Ahli cannot afford another slow start or a repeat of the defensive lapses that proved so costly against Al-Shabab. A disciplined opening, more secure possession and better support between the defensive lines will be essential if Pusic’s players are to restore confidence.
For the coach, the match is also an important chance to demonstrate that his team can recover from adversity. In football, a convincing response after a heavy defeat can help settle a dressing room and reassure supporters. Another poor performance, however, would likely intensify scrutiny of both the squad and the coaching staff.
Pusic’s Record Since Taking Charge
Pusic began the season as Al-Ahli’s head coach, replacing German manager Matthias Jaissle. He has overseen 17 matches, recording 11 wins, five defeats and one draw. Those figures show that the team has enjoyed a strong number of victories, although the recent loss has brought renewed attention to the consistency of its performances.
Results alone do not tell the whole story, but they help explain why Pusic pushed back against the suggestion that one defeat should immediately end his tenure. At the same time, the club’s expectations are high, and a heavy loss can quickly shift the conversation from past success to the team’s next response.
What Happens Next? Al-Ahli Prediction and Key Questions
Any prediction for Al-Ahli’s next performance will depend on how quickly the players recover their composure and correct the mistakes identified by Pusic. The team has recently shown it can win consistently, but the Al-Shabab defeat exposed vulnerabilities that Al-Sadd will look to test.
Al-Ahli’s best route back is likely to be a controlled start, fewer risky errors near their own goal and a more compact defensive shape. If they can limit Al-Sadd’s opportunities and regain confidence on the ball, they have the quality to make the contest competitive. But if the same early problems return, the pressure on Pusic will grow regardless of his overall record.
For now, the Dutch coach has made clear that he is focused on the work ahead rather than speculation about his position. Al-Ahli’s performance in Qatar will provide the first meaningful answer to the questions raised by their 6-1 defeat—and could set the tone for the response that supporters are waiting to see.
