Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli will begin the defence of their Asian Champions League Elite title against Uzbekistan's Nasaf in a buoyant mood on Monday, boosted by Matthias Jaissle's recent decision to extend his contract with the continental champions.

The German coach will lead his team into their opening clash of the new campaign in Jeddah with the ink having only recently dried on a deal that extends his stay with the club by another two seasons after first arriving in the country in 2023.

"It was an historical moment to win the trophy," Jaissle said of his side's triumph back in May over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale. "It creates confidence but it also creates expectations.

"We want to take that momentum in a positive way by carrying good memories and this confidence into the new seaso

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