Matthias Jaissle’s replacement confirmed after Arne Slot and Vitor Pereira links

Al Ahli have announced Marino Pusic as their managerial replacement for Matthias Jaissle, who has joined Newcastle United.

Pusic joins the Saudi Pro League giants on a two-year deal after a spell at Al Jazira in Abu Dhabi.

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The Dutch-Croatian coach also worked at Shakhtar Donetsk, where he won the Ukrainian Premier League and two Ukrainian Cups.

Al Ahli have completed a swift appointment following Jaissle’s exit to Newcastle as Eddie Howe’s successor.

Former Liverpool boss Arne Slot is understood to have been one of a number of candidates for the job.

Vitor Pereira, formerly of Wolves and Nottingham Forest, was also appreciated by Al Ahli, but it’s Pusic who has been given the job.

He has some big shoes to fill as Jaissle won the 2025 Saudi Super Cup and two AFC Champions League Elite titles during his stint.

Al Ahli finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season, five points off champions Al Nassr.

What can Newcastle expect from Jaissle?

Jaissle has arrived at Newcastle during a turbulent summer in which Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have left.

Club captain Bruno Guimaraes is also set to join Premier League rivals Arsenal in a £75million move.

Newcastle have even been tipped to be relegation contenders in the new season.

However, Jaissle’s former Al Ahli CEO Yazan Al-Sharif believes he has what it takes to be a success at St. James’ Park.

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Appearing on talkSPORT Breakfast, he said: “He’s a very high-energy coach, who enhances open and clear discussion with the players.

“Most importantly, the dressing room with Matthias Jaissle is going to take another level, for sure.

“About his philosophy and the way his football is played, he mostly plays high pressing and counter-pressing when losing the ball.

Al-Sharif added: “I think he is going to do a lot of tremendous work with Newcastle, having that foundation left by Eddie Howe.”

Jaissle looks set to take charge at Newcastle for the first time on Saturday in a pre-season friendly against Valencia.

His Premier League debut follows on August 24 when the Magpies travel to Liverpool.