A former Al Ahly and Egypt national team star has voiced concerns about the Red Devils' new head coach, Joss Riveiro ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The prestigious tournament will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025, where Ahly have been drawn into Group A alongside Inter Miami, Palmeiras, and FC Porto.
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Riveiro made a high-profile switch to the Egyptian giants last month, joining from South African powerhouse Orlando Pirates on a two-year contract.
The Spanish mentor and his team are already in America, preparing for their Club World Cup opener against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami this coming Sunday.
On Sunday evening, Ahly faced Mexican side Pachuca in a friendly match, which ended in a 1-1 draw before they lost 5-3 on penalties.
Although it was only a warm-up fixture, the result marked a losing start for the 49-year-old at the helm of the 12-time CAF Champions League winners.
Now, former Ahly player and current media pundit Mohamed Farouk has expressed skepticism about Riveiro’s appointment, questioning whether he has the experience required to guide the team on such a prominent stage.
"I wished that a world-class coach would coach Al-Ahly in the Club World Cup, especially since Rivero's first experience was coaching Orlando Pirates," Farouk said per Twaslnews.
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"As long as a world-class coach was not brought in, a local coach would have been preferable, especially since there are prominent names like Hossam El-Badry, Ali Maher, and Emad El-Nahhas who have achieved outstanding results.
"Hossam El-Badry has achieved impressive results during his tenure as coach of Al-Ahly."
