José Riveiro: The ‘Weakest Link’ or Al Ahly’s Secret Weapon? Why His Appointment Is Delayed
José Riveiro’s departure from Orlando Pirates has been the talk of South African football for the past week.
Speculation is rife that the Spanish coach is set to take over the reins at Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly.
However, despite strong reports and even claims from insiders that the deal is finalized, the announcement has yet to be made, leaving fans and pundits wondering what the holdup is.
Riveiro officially left Orlando Pirates last Tuesday, following his last game with the team.
Since then, many have been eagerly awaiting confirmation of his new role at Al Ahly, but the silence has been deafening.
According to Egyptian sources like UM7, the delay stems from Al Ahly’s current good form under interim coach Imam El Nahas.
The Red Devils have strung together five consecutive wins, and the club’s management reportedly decided to hold off on announcing Riveiro’s appointment to avoid disrupting the team’s momentum.
This strategic delay underscores Al Ahly’s focus on finishing their league campaign on a high note.
Their final game of the season, scheduled for May 28th against Pharco, is seen as a crucial fixture.
Management is keen to maintain team unity and concentration, and Riveiro’s presence during training sessions has reportedly been minimized to prevent distractions.
Sources suggest that the announcement will come immediately after this game, allowing Riveiro to take charge in preparation for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Another reason cited for the delay is logistical.
Reports indicate that Riveiro’s technical staff has not yet been fully assembled, which has further postponed the formalities.
Once his team is complete, he is expected to be unveiled as Al Ahly’s new head coach.
But while the logistical hurdles seem manageable, the controversy surrounding Riveiro’s appointment is harder to ignore.
Former Al Ahly goalkeeper Elramy El Shahhat has openly criticized the club’s decision to hire the Spanish tactician.
In a scathing assessment, El Shahhat labeled Riveiro as the “weakest” candidate among the coaches linked to the job.
He argued that other names on the shortlist had stronger resumes and were better suited to lead a club of Al Ahly’s caliber.
El Shahhat’s comments reflect a broader skepticism among some sections of the football community.
Critics question whether Riveiro, who spent a relatively short time in South African football, has the experience and pedigree to succeed at one of Africa’s most decorated clubs.
They point out that while he won two trophies with Orlando Pirates, his overall record pales in comparison to the achievements of other candidates.
However, supporters of Riveiro’s appointment argue that he brings a unique advantage to Al Ahly.
During his tenure at Orlando Pirates, he demonstrated an ability to challenge and even defeat Mamelodi Sundowns, a team that has consistently outperformed Al Ahly in recent years.
Sundowns have become a thorn in Al Ahly’s side, eliminating them from competitions and dominating head-to-head encounters.
Riveiro’s success against Sundowns, including a 2-1 victory in his last match against them, has reportedly caught the attention of Al Ahly’s management.
Some believe that Al Ahly sees Riveiro as a tactical solution to their Sundowns problem.
His ability to adapt quickly to South African football and achieve results against tough opponents has made him an intriguing choice.
While Sundowns remain a formidable force, Riveiro’s track record suggests that he could help Al Ahly turn the tide in their rivalry.
It’s worth noting that Al Ahly’s struggles against Sundowns have been a recurring theme.
Despite their success in winning the CAF Champions League last season, Sundowns have often appeared to be the stronger team in direct encounters.
This season, Sundowns eliminated Al Ahly in Cairo, further highlighting the Egyptian club’s vulnerability against their South African rivals.
Riveiro’s familiarity with Sundowns’ style of play could be a valuable asset as Al Ahly looks to regain dominance.
As the debate rages on, the clock ticks closer to May 28th, when Al Ahly is expected to make their announcement.
For Riveiro, the stakes are high.
His appointment is not just about proving his doubters wrong; it’s about navigating the intense pressures of coaching one of Africa’s most successful clubs.
The expectations will be immense, and the spotlight will be unforgiving.
The FIFA Club World Cup will likely be Riveiro’s first major test as Al Ahly’s coach.
Success in this prestigious tournament could silence his critics and cement his position as the right man for the job.
On the other hand, failure could amplify the voices of those who question his credentials.
In conclusion, José Riveiro’s rumored move to Al Ahly is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing coaching appointments in African football.
The delay in his announcement has only added to the suspense, while the controversy surrounding his credentials has sparked passionate debates.
Whether he is the “weakest link” or a secret weapon remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Spanish tactician will have his work cut out for him.
As fans await the official confirmation, the spotlight on Riveiro continues to grow.
Will he rise to the occasion and prove himself as a worthy successor to Al Ahly’s coaching legacy?
Or will the doubts surrounding his appointment overshadow his tenure?
Only time will tell, but for now, the football world watches with bated breath.
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