“The new season will be different” -Martin Jol
Martin Jol has revealed his depression after the 2-2 draw with Zambia’s ZESCO in the CAF Champions League group stage Friday, saying he is sorry to leave the continental tournament, the tactician’s translator, Ibrahim Abdallah, reported.
“Ahly management didn’t inform Jol of any official decision about his departure,” Abdallah told a television programme late Saturday.
“Martin Jol says he is depressed and sorry for what happened in the CAF Champions League when the team lost all hope of reaching the tournament’s semifinals,” the translator added.
Ahly’s African Champions League hopes were dealt a crushing blow after the 2-2 draw at home to Zambia’s ZESCO United as they lie third with five points in their group, three behind leaders ZESCO.
Should Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca, who have seven points, beat Ivorian side ASEC (four points) on Sunday, Ahly — who won only once and lost twice in five Group A matches — will be officially eliminated from Africa’s elite club competition.
“Jol also says we have a poor chance to reach the semis and he is depressed with the results,” Abdallah said.
“Jol confirms the team lost the services of effective players when Evouna and Ramadan Sobhi left. Moreover, the defender Ahmed Hegazy was injured ahead of important games in the Egypt Cup and CAF Champions League,” the coach’s translator added.
Since the departure of Gabonese striker Malick Evouna, who joined Chinese side Tianjin Teda, and attacking midfielder Ramadan Sobhi, who left to English Premier League outfit Stoke City, the Red Devils have produced lacklustre performances and are on the brink of elimination from the African Champions League.
“The games’ sequence alongside losing the services of effective players caused the team’s defeats,” Abdallah said.
“Jol promises Ahly fans that the new season will be different as we have a preparatory time as well as support for the squad with new signings alongside young players from the youth department.” Abdallah concluded.
Here is the full post from Martin Jol’s Facebook page:
