Egyptian giants Al Ahly have arrived in the United States to compete at the Club World Cup with new coach José Riveiro saying he wants to win the first match at the new-look tournament.
The Cairo club, who have won a record 12 African Champions League titles, open the tournament against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on 14 June, and the former Orlando Pirates boss wants to make a strong impression in the opening game.
“Our first goal is to win the opening match. We’re not just representing Ahly, we’re representing Egypt. That means a lot,” he told Egyptian television before his side’s departure.
“Ahly is not just a club, it’s a huge name in African football,” Riveiro added.
“I want to build something special here. I want people to enjoy our football and see a team with a clear identity.
“I want us to play good football but also to win. That’s what the fans expect.
“And I believe pressure is good. It shows how much the fans care. At a big club like Ahly, pressure is part of the job.”
Riveiro faced Ahly twice during this time as Pirates coach and said those games showed him how big Ahly are and how passionate their fans are about them.
“I saw how much the fans love this team. The atmosphere in Cairo was amazing. It made me want to be part of this club,” he said.
Riveiro signed a two-year contract at the end of May after Al Ahly had fired their Swiss coach Marcel Koller, but had arrived at the club earlier after his abrupt departure from Pirates.
Caretaker coach Emad El Nahas took over the helm after Koller's exit, and under his command, they won six straight league games, coming from behind in the standings table to take the championship.
“It didn’t make sense to change things at that moment,” Riveiro said. “I respected the team’s rhythm and the importance of those games.”
El Nahas joined Riveiro’s staff as an assistant coach.
Riveiro said he did not ask the club to sign players from Pirates.
“I respect the clubs I worked with before. And I trust the players here,” he said. “We have strong talent in every position. We’ll see after the Club World Cup if any changes are needed.
“There are already promising talents in Ahly’s youth system. I want to give them a chance to grow and play at the top level.”
“I want to win trophies—but also leave behind a strong system, a clear style, and a proud group of players,” he said. “This club has everything. Now it’s time to move forward together.”
Al Ahly play in Group A with their second game against Brazil’s Palmeiras in New York on 19 June and their last group match on 23 June against FC Porto, also in New York.