Wael Gomaa criticised Modern Sport’s tactics during their opening exchanges with Al Ahly, despite his side securing a 1-0 victory in the Egyptian Premier League on Thursday.
The match, played in the eighth round of the league, was decided by a single goal, but Al Ahly were made to work hard by a Modern Sport side managed by Moroccan coach Mohamed Amin Benhashim.
Al Ahly came close to dropping points late in the game before goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir preserved the win by saving a penalty in the closing minutes.
Speaking to Al Ahly’s television channel, Gomaa said he had been unhappy with Modern Sport’s approach from the start.
“I did not like the beginning of the match from Modern Sport’s players, with all due respect to the coach and his methods,” he said.
Gomaa said it was inappropriate for Al Ahly to be confronted by a team that had eight players standing on the halfway line when the match began, describing it as an attempt to press his side in an aggressive manner.
“You are threatening Al Ahly?” he added.
The former Al Ahly official said the players should watch the incident repeatedly to understand that the club should not be treated in that way or subjected to such a warning.
He stressed that it was important for the message to reach the squad, while praising the determination shown by Al Ahly during the match.
“Spirit, determination, persistence and a strong desire to win are the clearest features of Al Ahly’s players in the match against Modern Sport,” Gomaa said.
He added that Al Ahly’s identity was built around fighting throughout the game and every player giving the maximum of his physical and individual ability in order to perform at the highest level.
Gomaa also outlined the work expected during the international break. He said the coaching staff would oversee an intensive period of training, with the entire squad physically and technically ready through the rotation system being used by the team.
The victory maintained Al Ahly’s progress in the Egyptian Premier League, but Gomaa made clear that the club’s objectives extend beyond the league title.
He said Al Ahly’s ambitions this season were not limited to winning the league, but included dominating every competition in which the club is involved.
Gomaa concluded that any player who could not adapt to those ambitions and to Al Ahly’s approach would have no place in the squad.
