Saudi club Al Shabab has denied entering into negotiations with Al Ahly head coach Hussein Ammouta, putting an end to reports linking the Moroccan manager with a departure from the Red Giants just weeks into the season.
Ahmed Al-Masoud, official spokesperson for Al Shabab, stated: “Ammouta is a great manager, but all reports regarding negotiations with him are inaccurate.” He reinforced the club’s continued backing of German manager Thomas Letsch despite a difficult start to the campaign.
Ammouta had previously dismissed the rumors himself, stating, “It is disrespectful to negotiate with another club while under contract with Al Ahly,” before reaffirming his commitment to the project and his focus on competing across all competitions. The Moroccan coach hit back at those spreading the news, accusing them of trying to cause friction between the technical staff and players as he works to reshape the squad and manage a roster packed with options.
The rumors coincided with a dismal start to the season for Al Shabab, who failed to secure a single victory in their opening seven Saudi Pro League matches. Collecting just four points from four draws and three defeats, they sit 14th in the standings, compounded by an early exit from the King Cup.
In contrast, Al Ahly picked up 13 points from their first five matches under Ammouta, recording four wins and a draw—a strong points tally despite fan dissatisfaction with performances at times. Criticism has centered on the team’s sluggishness against low blocks, an over-reliance on transitional play that doesn’t always suit Al Ahly’s identity, frequent rotation, and specific lineup selections.
Ammouta’s management style has also sparked debate, particularly following a heated exchange with Ali Mahmoud during his substitution against Arab Contractors, alongside internal reports regarding his strict approach. However, the manager downplayed the incident, emphasizing it was not a confrontation.
A recent 2-0 victory over Abou Qir Fertilizers provides Ammouta with some breathing room during the international break, while Al Shabab’s denial temporarily closes the door on a potential exit, shifting the focus back to improving performances at Al Ahly.
