Al Ahly has shortlisted three candidates to succeed Jess Thorup should Mahmoud El Khatib’s administration succeed in terminating the Danish coach’s contract.
Al Ahly wants to part ways with Thorup after the Red Devils’ shock exit from the CAF Champions League at the hands of Esperance, continuing the team’s significant decline this season.
El Khatib’s administration believes that the best option at present to salvage the season by winning the Egyptian Premier League title is to appoint a local coach with a strong personality and extensive experience in Egyptian football.
The first name on the list is Hossam El Badry, who has previously coached Al Ahly in three separate stints and is currently managing Al Ahli Tripoli.
It is reported that Al Ahly’s vice president, Yassin Mansour, has already contacted El Badry to explore the possibility of hiring him, and the 61-year-old has welcomed the idea.
The second name being considered is Ali Maher, the current coach of Ceramica Cleopatra, who was also a candidate after José Ribeiro’s departure last September. However, negotiations with Maher broke down due to his demand for a long-term contract, not an interim one.
The final name is Emad El Nahhas, who is well-versed in the inner workings of Al Ahly. He served as Ribeiro’s assistant and then as interim coach during September and October, and recently left Iraqi club Al-Zawraa.
The finalization of any agreement with these three coaches hinges on the club’s success in terminating the contract with Thorup, whose contract still has two years remaining. If he is dismissed, the Egyptian club would have to pay up to €6 million.
