Egyptian football club Al Ahly have reportedly ruled out a Portuguese coach amid speculation that outgoing Orlando Pirates tactician Jose Riveiro could become their new boss.
Riveiro has been linked with several teams, including Al Ahly, after Pirates stated in early April that the Spanish coach would be stepping down at the end of the season.
In a surprising development, the Buccaneers have announced that Riveiro will be granted an early release due to his agreement with a new, yet-to-be-announced club.
Al Ahly recently parted ways with Swiss coach Marcel Koller and as a result, they have been looking for his successor, with Riveiro tipped to get the job.
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The Egyptian Premier League giants were said to have been close to securing the services of Portuguese coach Jose Gomes, but according to Almasryal, president Mahmoud El Khatib has opted against pursuing that option.
"I have very important information regarding Al-Ahly's negotiations with Gomez," Egyptian journalist Karim Shehata said according to Almasryal.
"I said before that Al-Ahly contacted Gomez, and Al-Ahly is presented with the CVs of foreign coaches every day.
"My information says that Mahmoud El Khatib, the president of Al Ahly Club, said about Gomez that he did not coach big teams, and did not play in major tournaments.
"I can tell you that El Khatib is not 100% satisfied with Gomez, and my personal opinion is that if Al Ahly does not finish with Gomez, Emad El Nahhas will be the coach of Al Ahly in the Club World Cup."
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As Riveiro prepares to exit the Betway Premiership, he is set to manage the team for the last time when they face Golden Arrows on Tuesday night. Reports suggest that he will be making the move to Al Ahly.
In addition, it has been reported that he is expected to join Al Ahly on a two-year contract, as the club aims for him to guide the team during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Nonetheless, it is yet to be confirmed whether the 49-year-old Vigo-born coach will indeed be joining the 12-time CAF Champions League winners in the upcoming days.
