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Rabat – Former Egypt national team coach Hassan Shehata has sparked controversy after criticizing Al Ahly’s reported move to appoint Moroccan coach Hussein Ammouta as the club’s new head coach.
Speaking on Egyptian television, Shehata questioned the decision to bring in Ammouta, arguing that Al Ahly should have considered an Egyptian coach instead.
His comments quickly drew attention across Egyptian and Moroccan sports circles, especially after he described the Moroccan manager as a “foreign coach.”
Shehata said that former Al Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry would be a better choice than Ammouta, insisting that local coaches understand Egyptian football and Egyptian players better.
His remarks came as several Egyptian and Moroccan outlets reported that Ammouta is close to taking over at Al Ahly following the departure of Danish coach Jess Thorup.
Al Ahly parted ways with Thorup by mutual consent after a disappointing season, during which the club finished third in the league and missed out on a place in next season’s CAF Champions League.
Ammouta close to Al Ahly job
Ahram Online reported that Ammouta has emerged as the leading candidate for the Al Ahly job, with advanced negotiations taking place between the two sides. The report also noted that neither Al Ahly nor Ammouta had officially announced an agreement at the time of publication.
Egypt Today also reported that Al Ahly is close to appointing Ammouta on a two-year deal, with most contract terms already agreed.
The outlet said the remaining issue concerns the release clause, while Ammouta is expected to bring a four-member coaching staff.
Ammouta is widely regarded as one of the most successful Arab coaches of recent years. He won the CAF Confederation Cup with FUS Rabat, guided Wydad Casablanca to the 2017 CAF Champions League title, and led Morocco’s local national team to the African Nations Championship title.
He also achieved a historic run with Jordan, guiding the national team to its first Asian Cup final before leaving by mutual consent in 2024.
Shehata’s comments have turned the reported Ammouta appointment into a wider debate about Arab coaches, foreign managers, and the status of Moroccan coaching in regional football.
