Al Ahly board under fire as managerial search stalls

Al Ahly, Egypt’s football powerhouse, is facing intense internal tension as the hunt for a new foreign manager drags on.

After sacking Spanish coach Jose Riveiro following disappointing results, culminating in a loss to Pyramids, the club named Emad Nagah interim coach but optimism is wearing thin.

Fans and club officials alike are frustrated by the slow progress. While promises were made to hire a high-profile foreign coach before September’s international break, the team remains under Nagah’s temporary charge, leading to confusion and mixed messages within the organization.

The club’s board, led by Mahmoud El-Khatib, insists that only a manager with a strong track record and personality should take the job, refusing to repeat past mistakes. Negotiations have stretched across Europe, with names like Jes Thorup, Carlos Queiroz, Bruno Lage, and Roger Schmidt approached, most of whom declined due to Middle Eastern work conditions or salary demands. Veteran Fatih Terim requested a $5 million salary, and current talks with Jose Gomes stall over contract complications.

With time running out, pressure is mounting. Decision-makers are split, with some urging a return to Egyptian coach Hossam El-Badry, though El-Khatib resists due to past disagreements. Meanwhile, the Al Ahly squad is preparing for its next league clash amidst ongoing uncertainty, which only heightens the urgency for a resolution.