Talaat Youssef questions timing of Emam Ashour controversy amid Al Ahly unrest

Former Al-Ittihad Alexandria technical director Talaat Youssef has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding Al Ahly midfielder Emam Ashour, criticising comments made by agent Adam Watani and describing their timing as inappropriate.

Speaking in televised remarks, Youssef said the agent’s statements had fuelled unnecessary debate at a sensitive moment for Al Ahly, warning that they risked disturbing the club’s internal stability.

He also raised questions over Ashour’s silence on the matter, suggesting that the player’s failure to publicly deny or clarify the claims leaves room for speculation about whether he was aware of the comments in advance or had any involvement in them.

According to Youssef, Al Ahly’s swift response to the situation was understandable, given the club’s priority to maintain focus and protect dressing-room harmony during a critical phase of the season.

The former coach further noted that discussions about aligning Ashour’s financial package with top Egyptian stars such as Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet could be reasonable in principle.

However, he warned that such comparisons may trigger internal complications, potentially prompting other players to demand similar treatment.

Youssef concluded by reflecting on the Egyptian Premier League title race, saying the competition remains wide open. He identified Zamalek and Pyramids FC as the leading contenders, with Al Ahly still in the chase but slightly behind in the current standings.