Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurcic doubts title chances and hails Ahly star Emam Ashour

Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurcic has opened up about his future, his team’s limits in Egypt and the player he believes is currently the best playmaker in the league.

The Croatian confirmed his contract with Pyramids ends this season and said no one at the club has yet spoken to him about a renewal. “I live for football, and all my focus is on the Pyramids project until the end of the season, maybe longer,” he explained, stressing he refuses to negotiate with other clubs before his deal expires out of respect for his employers.​

Jurcic reflected on the 2-0 defeat to Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup semi-final, praising his players’ collective display but lamenting the two “naive” goals conceded, which he insists are unacceptable for a side with big ambitions. He rated the performance six out of ten and said such high-level games are vital to push his squad to higher standards.

The coach called for defensive reinforcements and a top creative midfielder, while also noting that the wing positions remain a major concern despite the expected January return of Mostafa Fathi and the ongoing adaptation of Brazilian winger Everton da Silva.​

On domestic matters, Jurcic voiced frustration over what he perceives as unequal media and refereeing treatment compared to Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Zamalek, arguing that this environment makes it difficult for clubs like Pyramids, Masry, Mahalla and Ismaily to become champions.

“I feel, with what I see, that we will not be champions in Egypt,” he admitted, urging the media to give emerging clubs fair coverage because they also produce quality players for Egyptian football.

Jurcic then singled out Al Ahly’s Emam Ashour as the best attacking midfielder in the Egyptian Premier League right now, praising his touch, shooting and ability to decide matches, and revealing he tried to use Ramadan Sobhi in a similar role before the player’s suspension.