Al Ahly coach Pitso Mosimane has responded to the criticism levelled against him by former Egypt legend Ibrahim Hassan.
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Having finally been declared Covid-19 free, Mosimane returned to the Al Ahly dugout on Monday to lead his side to a comprehensive 4-0 win over Al Ittihad in the Egyptian Premier League.
It was Mosimane’s second win over Al Ittihad since taking over as coach at the club.
IBRAHIM HASSAN PLAYED OVER 100 MATCHES FOR EGYPT
Last month Al Ahly beat Al Ittihad 2-1 in the Egypt Cup semi-finals – and the back-to-back defeats have seemingly upset Hassan.
Hassan, who happened to play 78 and then 161 matches for Al Ahly over two stints during his playing career, now serves as the Sporting Director of Al Ittihad.
Hassan’s twin brother Hossam in the current coach of Al Ittihad.
Ibrahim Hassam, who is a legend in terms of matches played (131) for his country, interrupted the post-match press conference on Monday to hit out at Mosimane’s abilities.
“If Haris, Al Ahly’s kit man, took charge of Al Ahly, he will win trophies,” Hassan said as quoted by KingFut.
“If we [Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan] took charge of Al Ahly we will win trophies. If Pitso coached any other team in the league, he will get sacked after two games
“Al Ahly wasn’t good against us in the Egypt Cup nor in their last games nor in the CAF Champions League,”
However, despite the harsh words, Mosimane, now a the two-time CAF Champions League winner, took the opinion in his stride.
‘THE SAME APPLIES TO ALL MAJOR TEAMS’ – MOSIMANE
“If we look at what he [Hassan] said, it applies to all the major teams in the world. Real Madrid, Manchester City and PSG but football doesn’t work like that,” Mosimane said.
“What I know is that football only recognises work and effort and if his words were logical, Al Ahly would have won seven Champions League titles in a row.
“Being Al Ahly doesn’t guarantee wins, you need to prepare and work hard but this is his opinion and I respect it.”
Since Mosimane’s appointment in September, Al Ahly have won 13 games and drawn one in all competitions.
Al Ahly have lifted the Egyptian Premier League, Egypt Cup and CAF Champions League since Mosimane’s arrival.
They will next be in action on New Year’s day against Wadi Degla at 19:30 (SA time) as they look to stretch their lead atop the standings.
