With the world stars under one roof: visit Alioski in the Saudi luxury temple

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This residential area in the metropolis of Jeddah is unbeatable. The Shangri-La Hotel is located in a 65-meter-high tower on the coast of the Red Sea – right next to it is the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the city’s Formula 1 circuit, which opens in just eight months (!) in 2021. Shangri-La is considered the VIP hotel par excellence. Representatives of the Saudi government often live here. And since the summer also: Ezgjan “Gjanni” Alioski (31).

The North Macedonian international, who grew up in Wünnewil-Flamatt FR and also has a Swiss passport, has been under contract with Al-Ahli since 2021. After moving to Fenerbahce Istanbul on loan last season, he found a permanent home at Shangri-La. Alioski smiles as he is greeted in the lobby and says, “Come upstairs, it’s quieter there.” Shortly afterwards he opens the door of his suite, high in the tower. He lives here in a kind of apartment, with three rooms, a bathroom – and a breathtaking corner balcony. If he wants, he can see the city, but after a few steps he can also see the wide sea. And: straight onto the Formula 1 circuit.

The stars all live under one roof

“Of course, it is nice to live here,” says the former professional from Schaffhausen, Lugano and Leeds United, almost ashamed. The price for such a suite for a normal guest varies from 1,500 francs and above.

Alioski lacks nothing in this luxury tower. There are four restaurants, swimming pools, a spa and (gender-segregated) fitness centers. And he doesn’t have to feel lonely either, because he has the feeling that he knows half the hotel occupancy personally. Since the Saudi Pro League (SPL) started its transfer offensive, one top star after another has been reporting to the reception. Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho and Franck Kessié all live under the same roof with Alioski. Every now and then we meet for coffee or dinner together, Alioski says. He says: “Sometimes I feel like I’m at a FIFA gala.”

Alioski has to take the backseat

Alioski often acts as a translator in Saudi Arabia. The left back speaks seven languages. In addition to German and Macedonian, there are also English, Italian, Spanish, French and Albanian. “I still have trouble with Arabic,” he says, smiling.

He communicates with his personal driver in English. In the meantime, he talks in standard German with his trainer (and neighbor) Matthias Jaissle, although recently not only about pleasant topics.

Despite the multi-million contract and the nice accommodation, Alioski cannot be satisfied with his sporting situation. Since the Saudi buying spree last summer, he has been a surplus foreigner in the team. Currently, only eight players who do not have Saudi passports are eligible to play. And since Al-Ahli Roberto Firmino, Gabri Veiga and Co. bought on a large scale in the summer, Alioski will be left out of consideration for the time being. On the one hand, the left-footer shows understanding, but also says: “Of course I am sad about it. Together with the club we will look at my situation again next winter.”

“It’s hard to say no to these offers.”

Alioski makes it clear that he would like to stay in Saudi Arabia and that Al-Ahli has also indicated that it wants to keep him. He admits that wages obviously also play a role: “It is difficult to say no to these offers.”

His contract runs until the summer of 2025, as the club accommodated him when he was loaned to Fenerbahce, adding an extra year. Alioski now hopes that the regulations for foreigners will be adjusted in the winter, if possible. Nine or ten foreigners? Or even a rule like in Turkey, where more foreigners are allowed in the team, but at least three local players must always play? “There are a lot of rumors going on right now,” Alioski said.

One thing is clear: if such an adjustment comes into effect, Saudi Arabia’s shopping spree would certainly reach new heights. When Blick confronted SPL technical director Michael Emenalo about it in Riyadh, he remained tight-lipped: “We are currently focusing on what the league looks like at the moment.”

Suddenly the Swiss tennis star Stricker is also there

Nevertheless, given the gigantic ambitions of the competition, an expansion of the foreign contingent will have to be implemented sooner or later. Because Emenalo also says clearly: “We want a wonderful, competitive, aggressive and entertaining competition.”

Alioski wouldn’t be surprised if the rule changes suddenly happen quickly. Until then, he is doomed to watch. Also in the upcoming away match, which will take place the next day in Abha, an hour’s flight from Jeddah.

Alioski flies with the team manager late in the evening and therefore has to leave again. He says goodbye with a recommendation: “There is a good Chinese restaurant on the fourth floor.” It’s also one of Benzema’s favorite places, a waiter reveals. And coincidentally, that evening it is also the choice of tennis CEO Dominic Stricker, who is also staying at the Shangri-La during the NextGen finals these days.

Source : Blick