Tarek El-Ashry, the head coach of the Al-Ittihad Alexandria football team, spoke about the team’s winter reinforcements, stating: “There are many sports clubs competing in the Premier League with financial and human resources that surpass Al-Ittihad by miles.
Moreover, these clubs made significant investments in January with substantial financial sums. Additionally, the current technical reinforcements and conditions of Al-Ittihad do not allow for the purchase of a player for 20 million pounds to strengthen its ranks.”
El-Ashry, in his remarks following the match between Al-Ittihad and Al Ahli Bank in the 14th round of the competition, which ended in a goalless draw, mentioned that Mohamed Meselhi, the club’s chairman, bears enormous financial burdens alone.
He emphasized that football is an integral part of the Al-Ittihad club, and despite the challenges, it continues to progress steadily according to the plan set at the beginning of the season, which will bear fruit in the future with calmness, patience, and perseverance.
He added, “Some misunderstood my statements, thinking that I was accusing the club’s board of not assisting me in acquiring signings in January. However, this has never happened. The board, led by Mohamed Meselhi, is not tardy in financially and morally supporting the team.
We tried to negotiate with players within our means, but some clubs were unwilling to part with their players, and we do not have the luxury to pay 20 million for a player like some capable clubs.”
El-Ashry urged loyal fans to continue their support, especially now that the situation inside the club and within the team has become clear to them. He stressed that the players urgently need the support of the fans amid the current circumstances.
On the other hand, Mohamed Meselhi, the president of Al-Ittihad Alexandria Club, stated that the club’s board has never hesitated to support the team in any stage of its sporting journey.
However, given the financial constraints facing the club, particularly as it is primarily a popular sports club and not classified among the big or wealthy clubs, support and reinforcements are provided within the club’s financial circumstances, aiming to serve the team’s interests and fulfill the aspirations of the fans.
Meselhi emphasized in statements to “Al-Masry Al-Youm” that the board fully backs Tarek El-Ashry, the team’s head coach, and supports the players to continue their quest for a place in the top rankings of the Egyptian Premier League.
He clarified that the board of directors is tirelessly working day and night to achieve the desired position for the beloved Al-Ittihad Alexandria, the pride of El-Maamoura.
