Al Ahly SC have reportedly made a significant request of head coach Marcel Koller ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League semi-final match against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Koller has been facing intensive pressure at the Egyptian club recently, with reports claiming he may be sacked due to a reported strained relationship with the management. Furthermore, it has been reported that he could be dismissed if he doesn’t secure the Champions League title, even though his current contract runs until the end of the next season.
Several names of potential replacements for the Swiss manager have already surfaced, including former Zamalek coach Jose Gomes, who is currently with Saudi club Al-Fateh. At the same time, Pitso Mosimane is believed to have been excluded from consideration for the position.
READ|Koller's job '80% on the line' if Al Ahly fall to Downs
As they prepare for the match against Sundowns, the Red Devils are looking to defend their Champions League title, an achievement that would be historic, as no team has previously won the tournament three consecutive times.
With Koller’s future at the club shrouded in uncertainty, the latest report from Elwatannews.com indicates that Ahly president Mahmoud El Khatib has communicated to the coach that the club has yet to make any decision regarding his exit.
However, it is suggested that the result against Miguel Cardoso's star-studded side could influence the future of the 64-year-old coach. Egyptian journalist Karim Ramzy shared an update on Koller during his TV show, Channel1eg, ahead of the clash with Masandawana in Tshwane.
"Mahmoud El Khatib, president of Al-Ahly Club, held a meeting with Marcel Koller before the match against Sundowns, and informed him of the need to focus on the team’s next match and the need to come out with a positive result in order to advance to the final match and gain the fans’ trust," Ramzy said per Elwatannews.com.
READ|Ahly 'file urgent complaint' against Downs ahead of CAF CL clash
"Kohler confirmed to the Al Ahly president that he is angry about the rumors and demands for his departure from the fans, especially since the club is currently in the semi-finals.
"In addition to the team not losing the league title, the club's apology for not participating in the Egypt Cup, and my complete focus is on winning all the trophies."
The first leg of the semi-finals between Sundowns and Al Ahly is set to take place at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday at 15h00.
