Al Ahly Make Decision On Riveiro’s Future Amid Disastrous CWC Campaign
Egyptian giants Al Ahly have reportedly decided on the future of coach Jose Riveiro, as pressure mounts on the Spaniard amid the club’s underwhelming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
The former Orlando Pirates mentor took over the Red Devils last month, succeeding Marcell Koller in the hot seat. Riveiro was received with great optimism upon his arrival in Cairo after his exploits with the Buccaneers in South Africa, where he won five domestic cup titles.
With his appointment coinciding with the Club World Cup, Riveiro was expected to stage a respectable showing in the revamped 32-team global tournament. However, enthusiasm swiftly turned into panic amongst a section of the club’s fanbase.
Al Ahly played to a goalless draw in their opening match against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat to Brazilian side Palmeiras on Thursday – a result that saw tempers flare as club legends pointed fingers at the 49-year-old gaffer.
As a result, the record 12-time African champions are at the bottom of the Group A standings, three points behind leaders Palmeiras and second-placed Miami and level on points with Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto, who have a superior goal difference.
‘Club of the century’, as the Egyptians are fondly known, finds themselves in an unfamiliar position as the team is synonymous with reigning supreme. Now, Ahly will have to dig deep for a must-win against Porto and hope for a favorable result in the other match to keep their slim hopes of progression alive.
While there have been murmurs of discontent with the team’s performance under the Spanish tactician, reports emanating from Egypt suggest the club’s hierarchy is not sounding alarm bells on Riveiro’s capabilities to lead the Egyptian champions at this stage.
Mahmoud El Khatib, chairman of Ahly, is said to be open to the idea of allowing the ex-Bucs mentor to conduct a full pre-season camp with the squad and guide the team into the 2025/26 season amid talks of Portuguese coach Jose Gomes emerging as an ideal replacement.
In addition to backing the Celta Vigo native, the board is understood to be eager for a major squad overhaul after the World Cup. It remains to be seen how Riveiro will fare in his new project with the trigger-happy North Africans.
