'Exceptional' coach says he's 'proud' to be linked with the West Ham manager's job
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West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has steadied the ship in recent weeks, which in turn has lessened speculation about his future.
Just a few weeks ago, Lopetegui was on the brink at West Ham due to a poor run of form that left them just six points above the Premier League relegation zone.
The Hammers have improved since the 3-1 loss to Leicester City, picking up eight points from the last four games and beating Southampton 1-0 last time out.
It’s just as well that Lopetegui’s future at West Ham now looks brighter, as one of the managers who has been linked with the job has effectively ruled himself out of contention.
READ MORE: West Ham's Jarrod Bowen picks who was the better player out of Thierry Henry and Wayne Rooney
Matthias Jaissle flattered by West Ham links but happy at Al-Alhi
GiveMeSport reported earlier this month that West Ham had Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle on their shortlist in case Lopetegui was sacked.
Now Jaissle, speaking to the same outlet, has admitted that links with West Ham are “flattering” and said he is “proud” to be linked with such top clubs.
However, the 36-year-old also stressed that he had no plans to leave Al-Ahli and was looking forward to a fruitful tenure with the Saudi Pro League side.
"Being mentioned in relation to West Ham or any high-profile job is obviously flattering," said Jaissle. "It makes me proud to be linked with top clubs.
“But I don't focus on rumours like this. I have an agent who deals with any opportunities, should they arise, and my full focus is on Al-Ahli.
“This is the only job I can currently control and influence. I am committed to Al-Ahli, and I want to achieve something great here.”
Jaissle continued: "I do often think about my own development, and sometimes talk to my agent about the possible next steps and what I dream of.
“But I always reflect on my playing career, and how I made all these future plans, then suddenly the injury came and I had to cancel all my dreams. That’s when I decided to stay in the present.
“I am putting all my energy into doing the best job I possibly can with Al-Ahli. It’s a big and special club, and it deserves 100 percent of my attention.
“Since arriving, I have really felt the love for football here. When you walk through Jeddah, you see how much Al-Ahli means to the fans. I hope I can bring titles and trophies here.”
Matthias Jaissle factfile
Jaissle’s coaching career began in 2017, three years after being forced to retire from professional football due to injury.
In just seven years, he has made a name for himself as one of the best young managers in the game.
Jaissle began his career as Brondby’s assistant manager before becoming the manager of the Red Bull Salzburg Under-18s.
He then progressed to taking the reins of feeder club FC Liefering before becoming Salzburg’s first-team manager in 2021.
“Matthias’s qualities speak for themselves,” Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund said, as per Goal.com.
“I have known him for a few years already. He is young, ambitious and suits our club really well.
“The way he works and develops young players is exceptional. He was our ideal candidate as a result.
“He is not a big name yet, but we are all about giving young players and also young coaches a chance.”
Goal.com wrote: ‘Jaissle is an innovative coach, who looks for inspiration from unusual sources, including the New Zealand rugby union side.
‘He remembers his playing days quite well and, therefore, does not force his troops to go through things he hated himself, like long video sessions.
‘He sees himself as a young leader of a very young squad, whose main job is to establish the right team spirit.
‘His players enjoy working as a unit, which makes effective high pressing much easier to achieve.’
Jaissle won the Austrian Bundesliga in both years he spent at the club, as well as one Austrian Cup, before joining Al-Ahli in 2023.
