Al Ahly dismiss Hussein Ammouta sack rumours and renew confidence in Moroccan coach

Al Ahly have no intention of parting ways with head coach Hussein Ammouta despite growing concerns over the team’s performances at the start of the Egyptian Premier League season.

Pressure had reportedly begun to build around the Moroccan coach following Al Ahly’s disappointing draw against Al Mokawloon Al Arab, with questions raised about the team’s performances, starting line-ups and tactical decisions.

However, the club’s management has decided to maintain its confidence in Ammouta after holding internal discussions about the team’s difficult start.

Ammouta has overseen four league matches since taking charge, recording three victories and one draw. Despite the results, Al Ahly’s performances have failed to convince, leading to growing frustration among supporters and some voices calling for a change in the technical area.

The club’s hierarchy, however, believes it would be premature to dismiss the coach after just four matches, particularly given the circumstances affecting the squad.

Al Ahly have already suffered two major setbacks through injuries to key players. Starting left-back Youssef Belamri was ruled out before the beginning of the season, while defender Amr El-Gazzar suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury after only three matches.

Both injuries have significantly affected Ammouta’s options, with the coach forced to make adjustments to his defensive set-up at an early stage of the campaign.

The club is nevertheless aware that the performances have been below expectations. Concerns have been raised over Ammouta’s team selections, tactical approach and some of the substitutions made during matches.

Despite those concerns, the Al Ahly board did not reach a decision to dismiss the Moroccan tactician during its latest meeting.

Instead, discussions focused on understanding why the team has struggled to produce performances expected from a squad that was significantly strengthened during the transfer window.

The club’s leadership is also expected to have one of its members meet with Ammouta to gain a clearer understanding of the team’s current situation, including the impact of injuries and other challenges affecting the squad.

Senior Al Ahly officials, including Mahmoud El Khatib, Yassin Mansour, Sayed Abdel Hafiz, Mohamed El-Damaty, Al-Jarhi, Tariq Qandil, Al-Ghazawi and Khaled Mortagy, were present around the team as the club assessed the situation.

There is reportedly considerable disappointment within the club following the points dropped against Al Mokawloon Al Arab, compounded by the team’s unconvincing display.

However, the discussions did not result in a decision to remove Ammouta. Instead, the Al Ahly board has opted to support the coach and give him time to address the team’s shortcomings.

The club continues to believe in the Moroccan coach and, for now, there is no intention to dismiss Hussein Ammouta.

Ammouta will therefore remain in charge as Al Ahly look to improve their performances and convert their strong early results into a more convincing start to the campaign.