Al Ahly board's expectations for Jose Riveiro has seemingly been revealed as they prepare to compete at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
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The Spaniard has taken a significant step in his career by agreeing to lead the record African champions from the 2025/26 season. The Vigo native’s first assignment as the club’s new head coach will be navigating the biggest Club World Cup to date, with the Club of the Century poised to face the likes of FC Porto, Palmeiras and Inter Miami.
The Egyptian giants have claimed three bronze medals at the global showpiece in their history, and while there is likely to be an expectation for him to make a strong impression, a source close to the North African outfit has told the Siya crew that his performances in the United States will not define his tenure — with the club prepared to be patient.
"On the feelings of Riveiro joining Al Ahly, there is optimism in the club in general,” a source close to the Red Devils revealed to the Siya crew.
“Jose is a little unknown here in Egypt. Of course we know about his work in South Africa, but his previous experience is not well-known to Egyptian football.
“He has been positive in how he is connecting to the team. Riveiro is welcoming Zizo, the most prolific player in Egypt now, and has a plan of how he will fit in with the other, established stars and the new additions.
“Friendly matches so far won't give much clue as the team has just arrived in the USA. The new players need to settle in, the coach has to settle, so everyone is patient. The talk from Al Ahly is to not be too judgmental about him in the Club World Cup.
“They are going to play against an excellent team in very different conditions, but we will see how the Al Ahly fans will react to Jose after the tournament results. However, there is a positive already in how he is connecting to the Al Ahly fans, through his support to Gaza and Palestine and this has immediately made him a fan favourite.
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“It is surprising he didn't talk about it in South Africa considering what South Africa has done (in the ICC), but such small things in Egypt by Riveiro make a big difference here."
