Croatian takes the reins in Jeddah

Al-Ahli have appointed former Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Marino Pusic as their new manager, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

Pusic succeeds Matthias Jaissle, who left to join Newcastle United earlier this summer. The Croatian tactician, who previously worked with the Ukraine national team setup, takes charge of an Al-Ahli side that finished third last season and will be looking to close the five-point gap to champions Al-Nassr.

"I am proud to join Al-Ahli," Pusic said. "This is a club with big ambitions and I am here to help us achieve them."

Al-Ahli opened their campaign against newly promoted Diriyah Club on Thursday, a fixture Pusic marked with a winning debut.