Former Al Ahly player Mahmoud Abu El Dahab has delivered a strong critique of the club’s current campaign, describing it as the worst in its history and raising concerns over internal discipline ahead of a crucial league fixture.
Speaking in televised comments, Abu El Dahab pointed to a combination of inconsistent performances, questionable transfer decisions and administrative uncertainty as factors behind what he views as a deeply disappointing season.
Al Ahly are preparing to face their long-standing rivals Zamalek on Friday evening in the Egyptian Premier League’s championship stage, a match that could prove pivotal in shaping the title race.
“Worst season” claim highlights broader concerns
Abu El Dahab did not hold back in his assessment, stating: “Everyone is talking about Al-Ahly Club, and what is happening is not hidden from anyone, from deals and contracts to poor performance and confusion at the level of the football director and the technical director, but I see that this is the worst season in the history of the club.”
He continued: “I am speaking on behalf of all people on this matter, but I see that there are many things in Al-Ahly Club that I did not wish to happen or exist in this way.”
The former player suggested that the club has deviated from its traditional internal discipline, adding: “Al-Ahly club has always been closed off to itself, closed off to its players, closed off to its technical staff, and that is what we were used to, but today we are talking about one of the worst seasons that Al-Ahly club has experienced this year.”
He further reflected on the team’s struggles: “Yes, it is a season in which you suffer defeats, do not perform at your best, make deals that are not up to par, and players leave who did not deserve to leave.”
Focus shifts to crucial league encounter
Despite the criticism, Abu El Dahab urged players to remain focused on the immediate challenge, noting the significance of the upcoming fixture and the broader title race.
He said: “But what I see now is the need to close this file, because you have an important and tough match, and the league is still up for grabs and has not yet been decided.”
He also highlighted the role of other competitors, including Pyramids FC, in shaping the standings. He explained: “There is another matter, which is that you forgot about Pyramids, because the beneficiaries of the Zamalek-Enppi draw are Enppi, Pyramids and Al-Ahly, and Pyramids defeated Al-Ahly, so their hope in the league was renewed and they compensated for their loss to Zamalek, so you are obliged to win tomorrow in order to return to the competition, but what I say to the Al-Ahly players is that you must reconcile with your fans.”
Criticism of player conduct
A central point in Abu El Dahab’s remarks was his criticism of Imam Ashour, whose actions he believes have negatively affected the squad environment.
He said: “No one has ever been able to twist Al Ahly’s arm before, and what Imam Ashour did when he refused to travel to Tanzania to face Young Africans was unacceptable, and he should have been put up for sale. Let’s be honest, this situation is what ruined the dressing room.”
Calls for change amid ongoing season
Abu El Dahab concluded by suggesting that further changes may be necessary, although he acknowledged that discussions about player departures may be premature.
He said: “Today there are many players who deserve to leave, but it is too early to talk about this.”
As Al Ahly approach a decisive phase of their campaign, the comments underline growing scrutiny surrounding the club’s performances and internal management. With the league title still within reach, attention will now turn to whether the team can respond on the pitch while addressing concerns off it.
