Jose Riveiro ‘UNQUALIFIED’? Al Ahly Legend’s Brutal Verdict Before Do-or-Die Clash vs Pyramids – ‘A Close Loss is Better Than a Long Win’

In the high-stakes world of Egyptian football, few clubs carry the weight of expectation quite like Al Ahly.

Known as the “Club of the Century,” Al Ahly’s fans and legends demand nothing short of victory every time the team steps onto the pitch.

It’s a pressure unlike any other — one that has now placed the spotlight squarely on their new Spanish coach, Jose Riveiro.

Riveiro, formerly at Orlando Pirates, took over Al Ahly with hopes of steering the club back to glory.

But less than a month into his tenure, the atmosphere around the coach has turned toxic.

Despite remaining unbeaten in his first three games — one win and two draws — the calls for his dismissal are growing louder by the day.

One of the most scathing critiques has come from a former Al Ahly star, Ahmed Abu Muslim, whose words have sent shockwaves through the club’s fanbase.

“Jose Riveiro is unqualified,” he declared bluntly.

“This coach is not suited to lead Al Ahly.”

His harsh verdict has added fuel to the fire, especially ahead of tonight’s crucial match against Pyramids FC at the iconic Cairo International Stadium.

Abu Muslim’s criticism didn’t stop there.

He suggested that “a close loss is better than a long win,” implying that Riveiro’s cautious approach and failure to deliver commanding victories are unacceptable for a club of Al Ahly’s stature.

Such a statement underscores the immense pressure Riveiro faces — pressure that, according to Abu Muslim, far exceeds what the Spaniard experienced during his time coaching in South Africa.

Indeed, the contrast between South African and Egyptian football environments is stark.

Abu Muslim pointed out that while football in South Africa values aesthetics and style, Egyptian football is ruthlessly results-oriented.

At Orlando Pirates, Riveiro might have had some breathing room, but at Al Ahly, mediocrity is not tolerated.

Al Ahly’s legacy is built on winning — not just participating.

The club demands regular qualification for the CAF Champions League finals and expects to lift trophies consistently.

Anything less is seen as failure.

This relentless pursuit of excellence creates a volatile atmosphere for any coach, especially one still settling in.

Yet, some voices urge caution before condemning Riveiro so swiftly.

It’s worth remembering that the coach has overseen only three league matches so far.

Football pundits and analysts argue that expecting a coach to perform miracles overnight is unrealistic, particularly when the squad itself is grappling with ongoing issues.

The reality is that Al Ahly is not the powerhouse it once was.

The club’s dominance is waning, and the current roster lacks the firepower to steamroll opponents as in previous years.

Without significant changes in personnel, even the best coaching strategies may fall short.

This context raises an important question: Is the criticism of Riveiro truly about his qualifications, or is it a symptom of deeper structural problems within the club?

The impatience of fans and former players alike seems to overlook the complexities involved in rebuilding a team accustomed to success but currently struggling.

Tonight’s game against Pyramids FC is being billed as a potential turning point.

Pyramids themselves have been on the rise, growing in stature within Egyptian football and boasting a recent CAF Champions League title.

A loss for Al Ahly at home would intensify the calls for Riveiro’s head and could mark the beginning of a swift managerial exit.

But if Riveiro manages to secure a win, it might buy him some much-needed breathing space.

Still, the underlying tensions won’t disappear overnight.

The coach will need to demonstrate not only tactical acumen but also the ability to handle the immense psychological pressure that comes with leading Egypt’s most storied club.

For now, the question remains: Was Jose Riveiro’s move to Al Ahly a step too far? North African football is a different beast altogether, and the expectations here are unforgiving.

Whether Riveiro can adapt and thrive under these conditions is yet to be seen.

One thing is clear — the spotlight is unforgiving, and fans are merciless.

The “Club of the Century” demands champions, not caretakers.

And Jose Riveiro’s fate may well hinge on tonight’s result.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff at 8:00 p.m., all eyes will be on Cairo International Stadium.

Will Riveiro silence his critics, or will the chorus of disapproval grow louder?

In the world of Al Ahly, there’s no room for second chances — only the relentless pursuit of glory.