With only one game played in the new season, questions are already being raised about Jose Riveiro’s future at Al Ahly, with reports claiming his tenure could be shorter than expected.
Riveiro joined the Egyptian giants in May after leaving Orlando Pirates following a successful three-year spell with the South African powerhouse.
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His first test came at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where the Red Devils failed to progress beyond the group stage after failing to register a single win in three games.
Although early signs suggested that fans, club management, and even Ahly legends had faith in the Spanish tactician, that support now appears to be wavering.
The doubts intensified following a disappointing 2-2 draw against Modern Sport FC in Ahly's opening match of the 2025/26 Egyptian Premier League at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday.
KickOff has been told that tensions ran high during the post-match press conference, where Riveiro reportedly refused to answer several questions due to mounting pressure.
"It was very bad, the coach has already started to clash with the media as he refused to answer questions,” an Egyptian journalist who attended the press conference revealed.
Meanwhile, Egyptian media reports suggest that Ahly’s management is already considering potential replacements if Riveiro fails to secure positive results in the coming games.
According to Ahly News, Portuguese gaffer Jose Gomez, who is currently in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al Fateh, has been mentioned as a possible successor. Gomez was previously in contention for the job before the club opted for Riveiro.
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The report has also indicated that some within the club hierarchy believe the Vigo-born coach has not effectively integrated the new signings brought in to strengthen the squad for the new campaign.
This is reportedly one of the factors that could accelerate his departure if performances do not improve. It remains to be seen whether the 49-year-old mentor can turn things around and hold onto his position at the Cairo giants.
