Jaissle: 'I love Saudi Arabia and its passion for football' | OneFootball

On Thursday night, Al Ahli confirmed what may well turn out to be one of their best signings of the summer.

Yes, that’s right: manager Matthias Jaissle had inked a new contract, keeping him at the Jeddah giants until 2027. That follows last season’s historic AFC Champions League Elite glory, and the recent success in capturing the Saudi Super Cup.

In his two campaigns in the Roshn Saudi League, Jaissle has guided Al Ahli to third- and fifth-placed finishes. Including last week's 2025-26 opening day victory against NEOM SC, the German’s RSL record reads: 41 wins, 12 and 16 losses from 69 matches.

We had already caught up with Jaissle to chat his 2025-26 RSL ambitions, the increasingly competitive Saudi top flight, marquee summer signing Enzo Millot, and life in the Kingdom.

On that continental glory

"It was a historical moment to win the AFC trophy. It creates confidence but also raises expectations. We want to take that momentum in a positive way by carrying these good memories and this confidence into the new season.

"There will be new challenges waiting across the whole season, but we are confident - and that helped us last season to have such a big achievement."

On constantly developing

"It's clear you get used to the different opponents, the teams with their players. That's a learning curve you can definitely use for your advantage.

"You learn with different circumstances how to handle, for example, the heat with different conditions, and also the tight schedule, playing every three days. That was a big lesson for us, and showing that consistency will be important for the new season.

"That's a challenge but, after these two years, there are many aspects that you can learn from and take that into the new season."

On adding Millot

"Enzo is one really important signing so far. He showed already high quality in the German Bundesliga, but also in the [UEFA] Champions League in Europe.

"He's still young, so I see there is so much more potential. I'm really looking forward to working with him. The Saudi league can look forward to seeing his performances."

On RSL's fierce competition

"In the last two years we saw with Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, and now Al Qadsiah, they showed last season that they are already there in the top group.

"I’m sure NEOM [SC] will challenge as well, with their signings and with their power in the background. That shows also that there will be a big competition, and the league will be for sure much more competitive compared to a few years ago.

"This is really important and really nice to see. That's also the vision I'm convinced the Saudis want to have. We're looking forward to a tough season.

"Overall, the league is progressing really well. There's clearly the development to see and it's also clear to see that the league is improving and getting better and better."

On life in Saudi

"First of all, I was impressed about the enthusiasm of Saudis when it comes to football. That was clear to see from day one. It was a nice surprise how passionate they are for the sport.

"Apart from football, I have to say I'm feeling really happy being in Jeddah, a beautiful city next to the sea. There's really kind people here in the city. After two years, it already feels like my home. I really love to be in Saudi Arabia and Jeddah."