A stunning 3-1 victory against Saudi Pro League rivals Al Hilal SFC in the AFC Champions League Elite™ Finals Jeddah 2025 semi-finals gives Jaissle the opportunity to become the first Al Ahli head coach to land the biggest prize in Asian club football after the Jeddah-based twice finished runners-up. 

Jaissle had a relatively successful 11 years as a player, most of which were largely spent with 1899 Hoffenheim. His seven years with the club coincided with Hoffenheim’s rise through the leagues, culminating with German Bundesliga status.

Coincidentally, Jaissle’s final three seasons between 2011/12 and 2013/14 also signalled the arrival and emergence of Roberto Firmino - with the Brazilian now one of the players he coaches at Al Ahli.

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.

Appointed as head coach at the start of the 2021/22 season, Jaissle took the Austrian Bundesliga by storm - winning the league title in his first season with an 18-point margin over Sturm Graz, with Salzburg retaining the title the following season.

His exploits in Austria caught the attention of Al Ahli 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 and Al Nassr Club meant a return to the continental stage for the first time since 2021, giving Jaissle a new platform to showcase his coaching capabilities.

There can be no doubt that he has impressed but Jaissle will not be satisfied if Al Ahli do not lift the coveted trophy at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Saturday.