Marcel Koller, the Swiss coach of Al Ahly, has reflected on his team’s performance following their recent victory (3-0) against El Gouna in the Egyptian Premier League, stating that they effectively executed the game plan they had anticipated.
During the post-match press conference, Koller emphasized that despite losing possession frequently in the first half, Al Ahly managed to rectify the situation during halftime and achieve their objectives in the match.
He expressed his immense satisfaction with the performance of left-back Ali Maaloul, particularly noting his leadership on the field as he captained the team for part of the match.
Regarding penalty kicks, Koller clarified that Maaloul is not the primary penalty taker for Al Ahly, explaining that the decision on who takes penalties is made on a match-to-match basis, taking into account player readiness and fortune.
Addressing the absence of midfielder Mohamed Magdy “Afsha” from the matchday squad, Koller stated that with a squad of 32 players and no injury concerns, the selection of the final 20 players is based on performance in training sessions and tactical considerations.
He emphasized that Afsha’s omission was purely tactical.
Regarding the exclusion of Tunisian winger Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda “Kahraba,” Koller explained that with seven players available in the wing position, tough decisions need to be made regarding squad selection.
However, he reassured that Kahraba has been advised to train diligently to earn his place in the squad.
In response to a question about midfielder Amr El Solia, who felt a slight injury during warm-up, Koller emphasized the importance of prioritizing player fitness and opted not to risk him in the match against El Gouna.
Regarding the future of Mahmoud Metwally, who scored a goal in the match, Koller commended his performance but refrained from making definitive statements about his future role within the team, suggesting that continued performance will determine his status.
