Riyad Mahrez decision comes under scrutiny after Trincão’s difficult start

Al Ahli’s decision to allow Riyad Mahrez to leave has come under increasing scrutiny after replacement Francisco Trincão made a difficult start to life at the Saudi club.

Mahrez, who joined Al Ahli from Manchester City in July 2023, could have remained at the club for another season because of a one-year extension clause. However, the Saudi side opted not to activate the option and instead brought in Portuguese forward Trincão as his replacement.

The decision has quickly become a source of debate, with supporters and television pundits questioning whether Trincão can reproduce the influence Mahrez had at the Jeddah club.

Trincão has scored once and provided one assist in his first five matches, but he has failed to register a goal contribution in four of those appearances. His performances have not convinced everyone that he is capable of filling the role left by the Algerian.

“There’s no comparison between the two ,” is the prevailing opinion.

Trincão has so far struggled to provide either the technical quality or statistical output expected from Mahrez, and criticism of the decision to allow the former Manchester City player to leave has grown with each passing week.

The Portuguese forward’s latest performance against Al Hilal Saudi has intensified the concerns. Al Ahli suffered a 3-0 defeat three days ago, with Trincão once again unable to provide the attacking impact expected of him.

“Even at 25% of his capacity, Mahrez is better than Trincão” said one frustrated Al Raqi supporter.

The fan also highlighted Mahrez’s importance beyond his performances on the pitch.

“Even a Riyadh side that stands tall and doesn’t press is much better than Trincão. Mahrez was also a key player and an important figure in the dressing room. A Mahrez at 25% shows far more desire and impact ,” lamented a supporter disillusioned by the Portuguese player ‘s performance .

The criticism has not been limited to Al Ahli’s supporters. Discussion on Saudi television has also focused on the club’s decision not to retain Mahrez, while pundits have questioned the sporting reasoning behind the move.

“The decision not to extend Mahrez and Kessie’s contracts isn’t based on sporting logic. You can’t let players of this quality leave and risk not being able to replace them,” argues one pundit.

Mahrez remains without a club after his departure, but the Algerian is still highly regarded at Al Ahli because of his contribution to the club.

The former captain of the Greens played an important role in the Saudi side’s two AFC Champions League titles, and some supporters are now calling on the club’s management to bring him back immediately.

With Trincão yet to establish himself as Mahrez’s successor, the decision to part ways with the Algerian continues to attract criticism around Al Ahli.