Tunisian coach Nabil Kouki’s CR Belouizdad links dismissed

Reports linking Tunisian coach Nabil Kouki with a return to CR Belouizdad have been firmly denied, with a source from an Egyptian club insisting that no negotiations have taken place between both parties.

Earlier reports suggested Belouizdad had opened talks with Kouki amid uncertainty surrounding the future of Said Ramovic, who was reportedly referred for investigation following tensions linked to the club’s fans.

But a source close to Kouki, who is currently the head coach of Egyptian outfit Al Masry has swiftly denied such reports.

“There is no truth to the existence of negotiations from CR Belouizdad with us to take over the task of coaching the team.” Kouki’s sources revealed as quoted by FilGoal.  

“Nabil Kouki, by nature, does not like to return to teams he has previously coached, and his current focus is on Al Masry with the aim of winning the League Cup this season.”

Kouki, by nature, is not inclined to return to clubs he has previously managed, and is currently fully focused on his work with Al Masry SC, where he aims to guide the team to silverware this season.

The 56-year-old, who previously enjoyed a successful spell with CR Belouizdad during the 2022/2023 season—winning the Algerian league title—remains a well-regarded figure at the club. Despite that history, a return is now being ruled out, at least for the time being.

His former side, CR Belouizdad, are also preparing for a key CAF Confederation Cup semi-final clash, where they will face Egyptian giants Zamalek SC, adding further intensity to the rivalry between Algerian and Egyptian football.

Meanwhile, Kouki’s current team, Al Masry SC, are enjoying a strong run in domestic competitions. They recently secured a place in the semi-finals of the Egypt Capital Cup after overcoming El Gouna 4-2 on aggregate, following a 2-2 draw in the second leg.

Looking ahead, Al Masry are set to face Zamalek in the Egyptian Premier League’s title group stage, as well as prepare for their semi-final showdown in the Capital Cup against either Zed or Al Mokawloon Al Arab.

For now, the focus remains firmly on the pitch, with Kouki committed to steering Al Masry through a crucial period—while rumours of a return to Belouizdad are firmly put to rest.