Riyadh [Saudi Arabia], August 6 (ANI): AFC Champions League Elite holders Al-Ahli Saudi FC have appointed Marino Pusic as their new head coach, replacing Matthias Jaissle, who left the club to take charge of English Premier League side Newcastle United. The Saudi Pro League club confirmed the appointment on Thursday, with Pusic signing a contract that will keep him at Al-Ahli until 2028, according to Reuters. "Al-Ahli Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Marino Pusic as the new Head Coach of the First Team," the Saudi club said on its website. The German coach guided Al-Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles, becoming the first head coach to achieve the feat, while also establishing the club among the leading forces in Asian football. Pusic will now take charge of the reigning continental champions as they prepare for the 2026-27 campaign, with the Saudi Pro League season set to begin on August 13.