The coaching staff of Al-Ahli's first football team, led by German coach Matthias Jäissle, are in a state of heightened anticipation and caution ahead of their upcoming match against Al-Khaleej. Three key players in the "Royal" squad – Turkish defender Merih Demiral, full-back Ali Majrashi, and midfielder Enzo Melot – face the risk of suspension and forced absence from the next round should they receive yellow cards during the match scheduled for Tuesday evening at 8:30 PM.
The Al-Inma Stadium at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah (The Shining Jewel) is scheduled to host this crucial match as part of the 17th round of the Saudi Professional League. The danger lies in the fact that receiving a fourth yellow card will mean these players will miss the next important match against NEOM, scheduled for next Saturday at King Khalid Sports City Stadium in Tabuk as part of the 18th round.
The context of the competition and the challenges of the Roshan League
These concerns come at a time when the Saudi Professional League is witnessing unprecedented and fierce competition, where small details, such as tactical discipline and avoiding yellow and red cards, are playing a crucial role in teams' journeys toward the title or qualification for Asian championships. Those who follow the sport understand that the continuity of key players, especially in defense and midfield, is fundamental to the team's stability, particularly given the physical strain resulting from the congested fixture schedule and the strength of the competition this season.
Yasle's warnings and tactical preparations
In this regard, coach Matthias Jäissle issued clear warnings to the trio of Demiral, Majrashi, and Milot, urging them to play cautiously and avoid unnecessary contact or confrontations that could lead to yellow cards. Jäissle's aim with these instructions is to ensure they are fully available and capable of contributing their technical and physical abilities in the remaining crucial league matches, as there is no room for error in retaining any key players at this critical stage.
The importance of the three points and the battle for the standings
On the field preparations front, Yassle will finalize his tactical plans for the Al-Khaleej match with a key training session tomorrow (Monday), during which he will determine the appropriate tactical approach and starting lineup. The German coach has urged his players to maintain their winning streak and secure a victory to reach 37 points. Al-Ahli currently sits in third place in the standings with 34 points, making a win against Al-Khaleej crucial to remain in contention for the league title and close the gap on the leaders, especially given the high expectations of the fans for the "Castle of Cups" to return to the podium.
