A former Al Ahly and Egypt national team star has come to the defense of Jose Riveiro following the coach’s recent departure from the club.
Riveiro was shown the exit door on Sunday after failing to live up to expectations at the 12-time CAF Champions League winners.
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The Vigo-born tactician oversaw the team on just seven occasions, three times in the FIFA Club World Cup and four times in the Egyptian Premier League.
Riveiro managed only one win from those seven matches, which did not sit well with Ahly fans and management, leading to his dismissal.
However, Ahly legend Osama Orabi believes the club acted hastily and didn’t give Riveiro a fair opportunity to show his full potential.
"From my point of view, Riveiro should have been given a longer chance with Al Ahly, and I don't think coaches should be judged so quickly," Orabi said per News Room.
"The club's management didn't have to make an immediate decision, and they could have waited until the end of the first half to evaluate the experience more fairly.
"The team appeared in more than one match with a pale face, and the players did not help the coach sufficiently. In such cases, everyone must bear responsibility, not just the coach.
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"Al Ahly is a well-established club and has succeeded throughout its history in building an integrated system. Therefore, decisions must stem from careful study and planning, not from public or media pressure. Unfortunately, what happened with Riveiro reflects a change in the usual policy," he added.
"I reject the return of any coach who previously led the team, even if they won championships. Al Ahly needs a new coach with a strong resume and who is able to handle the enormous pressures imposed by the club and its fans."
