An Egyptian football legend has seemingly issued a warning to Jose Riveiro about the expectations of Al Ahly fans, citing the example of former head coach Marcel Koller.
Koller was dismissed by the Egyptian Premier League champions after failing to beat Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League in April.
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This decision came despite the Swiss tactician's impressive achievements with the club. During his tenure, Koller led Ahly to two CAF Champions League titles and two league championships.
In addition, he secured several domestic cup trophies, yet he was relieved of his duties just under three years after taking over from Pitso Mosimane in 2022.
Following his departure, Ahly poached Riveiro from Orlando Pirates. However, the Spanish manager was unable to guide the team past the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Now, former Egypt national team star Gamal Abdel Hamid has voiced his belief that Koller was unfairly treated despite his historic success with the Red Devils, a sentiment that could serve as a caution for Riveiro about the intense pressure from Ahly’s fans.
"Koller won all the championships with Al-Ahly. He didn't participate in a championship that he didn't win, and in the end, they threw him in the bottles," Abdel Hamid said, per Egypt Telegraph.
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"When Koller first lost in Africa, Al-Ahly fans threw bottles at him.
"Yasser Ibrahim was forced to take the ball and scored a goal. Why would I hit the coach? After all, this is football."
