Danish football manager Jess Thorup, the new head coach of Al-Ahly’s first football team, said he is extremely proud to coach the club and is excited to give his all in the coming period.
During a press conference held on Friday at the clup’s headquarters, Thorup explained: “I am very happy. Many of the club’s officials are mostly former football players. I spoke with Captain Mahmoud al-Khatib, the club president. We both played as strikers, and we discussed many points related to the team.”
“I have learned a lot about Ahly, and I know that it is a team that always strives only to win. I personally agree with this, and I will do my best to develop the players, preserve the history achieved, and continue the journey to achieve more successes and accomplishments. I am very eager to get to know the players, and I know that the team is facing a very important match in a few days.”
Thorup continued, “I will have five assistants within the coaching staff, and our goal is one and only: to win and achieve championships. This is the true meaning of football. I know that the task with Ahly is not easy, and I am accustomed to working under pressure.”
He indicated that he watched some of recently Ahly’s matches, starting with their participation in the Club World Cup, as well as their matches in the league championship, to analyze their performance and identify areas for further work.
Thorup’s message to the fans
Thorup stated that he was greatly interested upon immediately receiving the offer to coach Ahly, and negotiations progressed through the club’s delegation that traveled to Denmark.
He expressed his pride to become part of such a distinguished club.
Thorup assured that he is well aware of the pressures resulting from Ahly’s popularity, and that since arriving at Cairo Airport, he has felt this through the club’s fans – made especially evident in the intense media attention since his appointment.
However he said that he remains totally committed to the success of his mission, along with his assistant staff.
Thorup addressed a special message to the fans, saying, “My message to all Ahly fans around the world: I’m here now, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all… together we will achieve many great results.”
He congratulated the national team on qualifying for the World Cup finals, noting that the presence of a large number of Ahly players in the squad reflects the team’s value.
