Al Shabab deny talks with Houcine Ammouta and Al Ahly defender Yasser Ibrahim

Al Shabab have rejected reports that they are negotiating with Al Ahly manager Houcine Ammouta or defender Yasser Ibrahim.

The Saudi club’s official spokesman, Ahmed Al Masoud, addressed speculation linking Ammouta with the Al Shabab managerial position after reports emerged in recent days that the Moroccan could take charge of the club in the coming period.

Ammouta has faced criticism from sections of the media and Al Ahly supporters over the team’s performances, despite the Egyptian club collecting 13 points from their opening five Egyptian Premier League matches.

“​​Houcine Ammouta is an accomplished manager and is in charge of a major club such as Al Ahly. Everything being said about negotiations with him is inaccurate,” Al Masoud said in televised comments on MBC Masr 2.

Al Shabab are currently 14th in the Roshn Saudi League table with four points after seven rounds.

Al Masoud also confirmed that the club remained committed to head coach Thomas Letsch, who has been linked with changes to his coaching staff.

“We have renewed our confidence in Thomas Letsch, and he has also asked to make some changes to the technical staff,” he said. “We hope that this confidence proves justified and that results improve after the international break.”

The spokesman separately dismissed reports that Al Shabab were seeking to sign Yasser Ibrahim, the Al Ahly defender.

“Speculation increases during the transfer window, but we signed a defender and did not try to sign Yasser Ibrahim,” Al Masoud said. “These reports are inaccurate.”