CONFIRMED: West Ham monitor Jaissle to replace Lopetegui

Jacque Talbot

5 Dec 2024 19:30 GMT
3 min read

West Ham are considering Matthias Jaissle as a potential replacement for Julen Lopetegui if they choose to part ways with their under-pressure manager, FootballTransfers can confirm.

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Jaissle has been in charge of Al-Ahli since July 2023 and led the Saudi side to third-place in their first season back in the Pro League.

The 36-year-old is seen as a dynamic young coach with progressive ideas who could create a new culture at the club and contact could be made soon with the German’s camp.

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No offer has been made yet by West Ham and they would have to negotiate a release fee if they wanted to appoint Jaissle, who is still under contract with Al-Ahli until 2026.

The future of Lopetegui is also still uncertain, with several reports claiming that West Ham’s next game against Wolves would be decisive following crunch talks with the Hammers hierarchy.

© IMAGO - Matthias Jaissle is currently in charge of Saudi side Al-Ahli.

Who is Matthias Jaissle?

Jaissle made 60 appearances for Hoffenheim between 2007 and 2014 before cutting his career short and becoming assistant manager at Danish side Brondby in 2017.

His first managerial stint came in charge of Red Bull Salzburg’s under-18 side in 2019 and he was soon appointed head coach of FC Liefering, who are the Austrian club’s reserve team.

Jaissle saw out of the 2020/21 season with Liefering, leading them to second place in the Austrian second tier – the joint-highest position in the club’s history.

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His achievements saw Jaissle succeeding Jesse Marsch as RB Salzburg manager in July 2021 and he won the domestic double in his first season, while also leading the club to the Champions League knockouts for the first time ever.

After winning a second successive league title, Jaissle joined Al-Ahli in 2023 and his side have impressed in the AFC Champions League this season, winning five straight matches in the tournament to equal a club record.