Al Ahly new football director: “We stopped all media statements for the players”

Al Ahly have entered a new chapter following the dismissal of Spanish coach Jose Riveiro after a 2-0 defeat to Pyramids in the Nile Egyptian League. The club has appointed Emad El-Nahas as interim head coach, while former club captain Walid Salah El-Din has officially taken over the role of football director.

In statements to Al Ahly official channels, Salah El-Din delivered messages to both fans and players, urging support and patience during this transitional period. Speaking in a video posted on Al Ahly’s official channels, he stressed the honor of serving the club in any position.

“Working in any position at Al Ahly is a great honor, and there are legends who have held the position of football director, including Mahmoud El-Khatib, the club’s current president. The position of football director is not as difficult as people think, and the matter is easy as long as we have Al Ahly’s fans behind us.”

He called for fan support, noting that decisions taken by him or the board always carry the backing of Al Ahly’s faithful fans.

“Any decisions that are made, whether by the football director or the board of directors, Al Ahly fans are always behind us and never divided over them. We can sacrifice anything external just to be present at the club, and our goal is to bring joy to millions of fans. I say to the fans: don’t worry, we will give our maximum effort, but we need patience and support.”

Salah El-Din confirmed that president Mahmoud El-Khatib has given him full authority in his role, making clear that this is a moment for supporting interim coach Emad El-Nahas.

Reflecting on his relationship with the squad, he underlined that discipline and commitment will guide his work:

“My relationship with all the players is great, and what governs us is the regulations (if you make a mistake, you will be punished, and if you work well and give what is good for the club, you will be rewarded).”

Salah El-Din highlighted his extensive experience, having previously served as football director under Mokhtar Mokhtar and Helmy Toulan, worked on Al Ahly’s football committee, and gained management experience with ZED Club in both the second division and the Premier League.

“I have the experience that allows me to deal with every situation and evaluate it in the right way, and the difference is that at Al Ahly the pressure is very big (and I am used to pressure since my beginnings at Al Ahly for 22 years).”

One of his first major decisions was to suspend all media interactions by players and coaching staff.

“Al Ahly players only need support, they are the strongest in Africa, and there is no fear for Al Ahly. We decided to stop all media statements for the players and the coaching staff during the coming period until we pass this stage.”

Finally, Salah El-Din delivered a clear reminder to the players about their responsibility to the club’s massive fan base:

“My message to the players is that they must understand the idea that they control the mood of millions, and they must take this into consideration before any match.”

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