Former Al Ahly defender Ahmed Abu Salim has laid into coach Jose Riveiro following the club’s dismal 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign and criticized the Red Devils’ hierarchy for entrusting the Spaniard to succeed Marcell Koller.

The Egyptian giants had a below-par showing at the global club tournament as they played to a goalless stalemate in their opening match against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Palmeiras of Brazil, and concluded with a thrilling 4-4 draw against FC Porto.

As a result of failing to register a win, Riveiro’s men finished at the bottom of the Group A standings with two points collected from the three outings. This sent shock waves to those associated with the club and put the former Orlando Pirates boss under fire.

Now, Abu Salim, who has been vocal about his displeasure with the appointment of the Spanish mentor, was left disappointed with Ahly’s display, arguing that the club was placed in one of the easiest groups at the 32-team showpiece.

“Al Ahly’s performance at the Club World Cup was extremely disappointing, especially given that the team was placed in the easiest group at the tournament,” the former Red Devils’ star said on an Egyptian TV program, TeN TV.

The Cairo native went on to hail the management for bolstering the squad ahead of the tournament, but reiterated his stance that Riveiro is not the right man to lead the record 12-time African champions, citing his lack of a big-name reputation.

“The club’s board of directors strengthened the squad with strong signings before the tournament, but the real crisis for the Red Devils came in the selection of their coach,” added Abu Salim, who represented Egypt in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship.

“Spanish coach Jose Riveiro is not fit to coach Al Ahly, and that has been my opinion since day one. Appointing him from the start was a huge mistake by the Red Devils’ officials, and he has no previous achievements.”

He continued: “I was hoping for a coach with a solid track record to lead the team at the FIFA Club World Cup.”

Despite the criticism, Ahly chairman Mahmoud El Khatib is said to be open to the idea of allowing Riveiro to conduct a full pre-season training with the squad. Furthermore, the board is understood to be determined to back the 49-year-old tactician in the market.