Egyptian soccer giant Al-Ahly has ended the contract of Spanish coach Jose Riveiro after only seven games in charge. The move came right after a 2-0 loss to rivals Pyramids in the Egyptian Premier League on August 31, 2025, leaving the team in a tough spot early in the season.
Riveiro’s Short Time at Al-Ahly
Al-Ahly hired Riveiro in May 2025 on a two-year deal. He replaced the previous coach ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Fans hoped his experience from coaching Orlando Pirates in South Africa would bring fresh success to the club.
Riveiro brought his own staff, including assistant coach Carlos Nodar and physical trainer Miguel Pepeira. The team aimed high for the Club World Cup, but results fell short. In just three months, pressure built from poor showings in both international and domestic games.
Before joining Al-Ahly, Riveiro won titles in South Africa. He led Orlando Pirates to multiple cup victories. This track record made him an exciting choice for the Egyptian champions.
Dismal Results Lead to Exit
Riveiro’s record at Al-Ahly tells a story of struggle. The team played seven matches under him, winning only one. They drew four and lost two. This poor run included an early exit from the Club World Cup after draws and a loss to Brazil’s Palmeiras.
In the Egyptian Premier League, Al-Ahly started the 2025-2026 season with four games. They earned just five points from one win, two draws, and one loss. The defeat to Pyramids on August 30, 2025, proved to be the final straw. Pyramids scored twice through Moroccan player Walid el Karti, exposing Al-Ahly’s defensive issues.
Fans and experts pointed to several problems. Riveiro seemed quiet on the sidelines, with little reaction during games. Critics said he needed more time to learn the players and club culture, but results did not improve. Al-Ahly, known for dominating African soccer, now sits in 13th place in a 21-team league.
Here is a quick look at Riveiro’s matches with Al-Ahly:
| Competition | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Club World Cup | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Egyptian Premier League | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Total | 7 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 7 | 8 |
Club’s Official Statement
Al-Ahly released a statement on their website on August 31, 2025. They thanked Riveiro and his staff for their efforts. The club said the split happened by mutual consent. This quick decision shows how high expectations are at a team with 12 African Champions League titles.
The statement did not name a replacement right away. Reports suggest Al-Ahly will pay Riveiro a compensation package worth about $405,000. This covers the penalty clause in his contract. The club now faces the task of finding a new coach fast to turn things around.
Players and fans reacted with mixed feelings. Some supported giving Riveiro more time, while others called for change after the Pyramids loss. Social media buzzed with discussions about the sacking, highlighting the intense pressure in Egyptian soccer.
What Went Wrong for Riveiro
Several factors contributed to Riveiro’s downfall. First, the team struggled to score goals, managing just seven in total under him. Defensive errors also hurt, as seen in the Pyramids match.
Second, adapting to a new league proved hard. Riveiro came from South Africa, where the style differs from Egypt’s fast-paced game. Experts noted his body language showed doubt, and he lacked the strong presence fans expect.
Third, the Club World Cup disappointment set a bad tone. Al-Ahly aimed to make history but left early. This fueled criticism from board members and legends like Sayed Mohamed Mohamed Abdel Hafeez, who questioned Riveiro’s approach.
- High expectations: Al-Ahly fans demand wins in every competition.
- Short preparation: Riveiro had only 50 days to study the team before key games.
- Rival strength: Teams like Pyramids, current African champions, raised the bar.
Looking Ahead for Al-Ahly
Al-Ahly must now rebuild quickly. The team has a busy schedule, including more league games and African competitions. Rumors link big names like Xavi Hernandez to the job, sparking excitement among supporters.
The club president and board back a swift hire to steady the ship. Past successes show Al-Ahly can bounce back, but they need the right leader. This sacking reminds everyone of the high stakes in top-level soccer.
Fans wonder if Riveiro will return to South Africa or seek another role. His experience could attract interest from clubs in the Premier Soccer League.
What do you think about Al-Ahly’s decision? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article to fellow soccer fans for more discussion.
