Al Ahly have appointed Danish tactician Jess Thorup as their new head coach as the official successor of Jose Riveiro.
Riveiro lasted only three months in his role at the Egyptian giants before being sacked, which proved an anti-climatic end after becoming one of the most-sought after coaches on the continent during his stint at Orlando Pirates.
He won five domestic trophies in his three seasons at the club – and reached the CAF Champions League semi-final – as well as finished as league runners-up for three consecutive season.
Thorup now comes in with the clear target of winning the league and CAF Champions League – with domestic rivals Pyramids having won Africa’s elite club competition last season.
“The club’s management announced the signing of the Jess Thorup, to take over the responsibility of the first football team for two and a half years. Osama Hilal, Director of Contracting and Scouting, completed all administrative and financial matters,” the statement read.
“This came after the meeting held by Captain Mahmoud Al-Khatib, the club president, with the planning committee and the sports director, and reviewing the vision of the football director. He concluded consultations regarding this file and chose the most appropriate coach for the team at this important stage.”
The 55-year-old held roles at Genk, FC Copenhagen, Gent, FC Midtjylland and the Danish youth national team set-up before his stint in Germany.
