Riveiro Lifts Lid On Al Ahly Move
Newly appointed Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro has opened up on his move to the Egyptian giants, having left Orlando Pirates before the end of the just-ended 2024/25 season to take up a new project in North Africa.
The Spanish mentor, who guided the Buccaneers to five domestic cup titles, including a three-peat of the MTN8 and three consecutive second-place finishes in the league, was granted an early release from his contract after a promising season left much to be desired in the latter stages.
Now, having been confirmed as the new Red Devils boss, Riveiro says the reception he received from the huge Al Ahly fanbase was expected, as he had faced the team twice in the CAF Champions League, which gave him a brief insight into the club.
“I was sure there would be a lot of buzz around my arrival because Al Ahly is a big club and at the top of Africa. I knew the club was a big asset. I had faced them twice and seen their huge fanbase, which gave me a lot of insight into the club on the continent,” he told Al Ahly TV.
“I am a very calm person. I approach my work with a positive attitude; I am enthusiastic and take responsibility very seriously. At the same time, I am an optimistic person, and I like working as a team. I am happy with my career as a coach.
“I have reached the point of becoming the coach of Al Ahly, and through the existing trust, I am trying to create a team that always wins.”
Regarding the timeframe when negotiations began between him and the record 12-time African champions, the 49-year-old tactician revealed that the club, often referred to as the Club of the Century, contacted him shortly after Swiss coach Marcell Koller was dismissed.
“Negotiations between me and Al Ahly began after Marcel Koller’s coaching period ended. He is a coach who achieved good results, and at the same time, I had reached a good stage with Orlando Pirates,” Riveiro added.
“I believe that when Al Ahly officials noticed that I had achieved success with Orlando Pirates, it attracted their attention for me to coach Al Ahly. I followed Al Ahly, and unfortunately, they were eliminated in the [CAF Champions League] semi-finals.
“There were attempts from Al Ahly officials to contract a new technical staff before the start of the FIFA Club World Cup, and that’s when the negotiations began.
“I was happy when Al Ahly officials contacted me, especially since I know I will be coaching a team with distinguished players who deserve to be in the Club World Cup and compete against strong teams in the tournament, and who deserve to reach the furthest point possible in this tournament.”
He continued: “When I learned that I would be coaching Al Ahly and bringing in my coaching staff, we started working early. When we realized that we would be late to lead the team, we had time to watch Al Ahly in action. We watched many young players who will be developing to be with us in the Club World Cup.”
