Ahly’s new coach Manuel Jose laid down a challenge for arch-rivals Zamalek at the start of his press conference held on Thursday.
“Today it’s 6/1 (6 January), it reminds me of our 6-1 victory over Zamalek. I’m very optimistic about it and I think we can do it again in the second round,” the Portuguese tactician told reporters.
Jose is Ahly’s most successful coach after leading the team to 19 titles including four CAF Champions League titles and handed Zamalek a string of heavy defeats in the process during his previous reigns at the club.
“The 6-point difference doesn’t mean the title race is settled. We are still at halfway and there is still a long way to go. We will never give up,” he added.
The 64-year old tactician reiterated that Ahly’s task will be easier if opponents mark Zamalek’s wizard Mahmoud Abdel-Razek ‘Shikabala’ who is the source of inspiration for his teammates.
Talking about his team, Jose defended his players and asked for the fans support.
“We have professional players, age doesn’t matter it’s just how they perform on the pitch. But we also have a lot of young players who need a lot of help and experience. The supporters must be backing them and be patient.”
The Portuguese coach had also to clarify some points surrounding his return,
“I was in a daily contact with an Ahly official and he was the main reason I came back. I really want to thank him. In Portugal when a boy leaves home, he should return again and I did so. I want to revive Ahly’s glory days and I will,” Jose concluded.
The former Angola and Ittihad Jeddah coach has already started working with the team as Ahly will resume action on MCDM on January 22 in round 15 of the Egyptian Premier League.
Watch Al Ahly fans cheering for Jose in the Cairo International airport.
