CAF Champions League: I know there is pressure to win – Al Ahly coach Jess Thorup

Al Ahly head coach Jess Thorup has played down speculation over his future as the club prepares for a decisive CAF Champions League quarter-final second leg on Saturday night.

The Cairo giants head into the fixture under pressure after slipping to a 1-0 defeat against Espérance de Tunis in the first leg last weekend, leaving them with a must-win task to keep their continental hopes alive.

Al Ahly’s history of parting ways with coaches who fail to deliver Champions League success has intensified scrutiny around Thorup, with questions mounting over his long-term position at the club.

However, the Danish tactician insists his focus remains firmly on the pitch rather than the growing noise off it.

“I appreciate that very well, and I appreciate the fans’ desire to achieve victory continuously and win championships,” Thorup told reporters, as per WinWin.

“I have known the extent of the pressure at Al-Ahly Club since my first day at the club. We have become accustomed to that. Our culture has always been to win all championships, and this is part of our goals.

“But at the same time, I am not preoccupied with what is outside the field. I do not pay attention to the rumors that are circulating about my future with the team.

“My main focus is on the green rectangle to achieve the required goals.”