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AFC Champions League Elite
While fellow Saudi Arabia side Al Ittihad Club bagged successive titles in 2004 and 2005, the first win came under the guidance of Dragan Talajic with Anghel Iordanescu then leading the successful title defence.
It opens the door for Jaissle to be the first head coach to win the biggest prize in Asian club football two years in a row.
It opens the door for Jaissle to be the first head coach to win the biggest prize in Asian club football two years in a row.
Jaissle had a relatively successful 11 years as a player, most of which was largely spent with 1899 Hoffenheim. His seven years with the club coincided with Hoffenheim’s rise through the leagues, culminating with German Bundesliga status.
Calling time on his playing career at age 31, Jaissle made the switch to coaching - starting with an assistant manager role at Danish club side Brondby IF but it was at Austrian side RB Salzburg that Jaissle really came to the fore.
Calling time on his playing career at age 31, Jaissle made the switch to coaching - starting with an assistant manager role at Danish club side Brondby IF but it was at Austrian side RB Salzburg that Jaissle really came to the fore.
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Appointed as head coach at the start of the 2021/22 season, Jaissle took the Austrian Bundesliga by storm by winning the league title in his first season with an 18-point margin over Sturm Graz, with Salzburg emerging champions again the following season.
His exploits in Austria caught the attention of Al Ahli Saudi and Jaissle began his Saudi Arabian adventure in the 2023/24 season, with the Jeddah-based club returning to the top tier after having suffered a shock relegation.
A third place finish behind Al Hilal SFC and Al Nassr Club meant a return to the continental stage for the first time since 2021 as the Jeddah-based side went all the way to lift the coveted trophy 12 months ago.
His exploits in Austria caught the attention of Al Ahli Saudi and Jaissle began his Saudi Arabian adventure in the 2023/24 season, with the Jeddah-based club returning to the top tier after having suffered a shock relegation.
A third place finish behind Al Hilal SFC and Al Nassr Club meant a return to the continental stage for the first time since 2021 as the Jeddah-based side went all the way to lift the coveted trophy 12 months ago.
The 2025/26 campaign has been a less assured one compared to last season where Al Ahli were imperious - particularly in the Finals with victories over Buriram United, Al Hilal SFC and Kawasaki Frontale.
This season has been more challenging but the quarter-final and semi-final victories against Johor Darul Ta’zim and Vissel Kobe showed the mark of champions as Jaissle’s well-honed side prevailed under tough circumstances.
Standing in their way to a second title are Japan’s FC Machida Zelvia but Al Ahli Saudi’s fans will expect Jaissle to steer his side to continental glory again.
This season has been more challenging but the quarter-final and semi-final victories against Johor Darul Ta’zim and Vissel Kobe showed the mark of champions as Jaissle’s well-honed side prevailed under tough circumstances.
Standing in their way to a second title are Japan’s FC Machida Zelvia but Al Ahli Saudi’s fans will expect Jaissle to steer his side to continental glory again.
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