Al Ahly president Mahmoud El Khatib urges players to “forget the past” after poor league start

Al Ahly president, Mahmoud El Khatib has called on his players to put their difficult start to the season behind them after collecting only five points from the opening four matches of the Nile Egyptian League — a run that included one win, two draws, and a defeat to Pyramids.

Speaking in a video published on the club’s official page, El Khatib said:
“Walid Salah El-Din, who is responsible for everything related to the football sector, I want to confirm to you that football is not about names only. Football depends on courage and fighting spirit.”

The legendary former player of Al Ahly added:

“We are at Mokhtar El-Tetsh Stadium, named after one of Al Ahly’s legends. Many legends have passed through this club, and all of them have gone. Now, you are the face of the club.”

He continued:

“Everyone will fade away, but Al Ahly will remain, God willing. It was Al Ahly who made this name, and it continues to create names every day.”

Al Ahly president indicated to his disappointment from the past period:

“You cannot play with your names, you must play with your effort. In the past period, I did not like what I saw from you.”

El Khatib stressed:

“Al Ahly is an entity, a history, principles, and values. It will remain as it is, and those who follow its path will be remembered. Everyone must understand this.”

He added further:

“Everyone must know what they are going to give. I spoke to you before, but it seems you have forgotten. I will not repeat myself again.”

El Khatib urged the players to respect the club’s entity, reminding them that the club don’t accept excuses for failure:

“I want you to appreciate the entity of Al Ahly and its fans. Al Ahly is patient, but it does not accept any excuses—only those who contribute to raising the name of this club.”

He concluded with a message of belief and motivation:

“I have great trust in you. You must erase this period, and I am sure you will achieve what you wish for and what the fans want.”

Currently, Emad El-Nahhas is leading Al Ahly on an interim basis until the club appoints a new foreign head coach.

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