Spanish coach Juan Carlos Garrido has denied reports that he is set to take charge of struggling Egyptian Premier League club Ghazl El Mahalla.
Garrido was present at Cairo International Stadium for Ghazl El Mahalla’s match against Al Ahly Bank, prompting speculation that the former Al Ahly manager could be preparing to return to the Egyptian top flight.
However, the Spaniard has rejected suggestions that his appearance at the match was connected to a possible appointment.
Garrido told Winwin: “All the talk about me coaching Ghazl El Mahalla is untrue. I attended the match today as usual because I was in Cairo.”
His comments come as Ghazl El Mahalla consider whether to make a change in the dugout following a difficult beginning to the season.
The club have taken only one point from their opening four league matches. Their latest setback came against Al Ahly Bank, who secured a 3-1 victory at Cairo International Stadium.
It was the third defeat suffered by Ghazl El Mahalla in their first four games, with their only positive result coming in a home draw against El Sharqia Enppi.
Ghazl El Mahalla consider coaching change
The club’s management is currently assessing the position of head coach Ahmed Khattab as pressure grows following the poor results.
A decision on Khattab’s future could be announced within the coming hours, while the club are reportedly considering appointing a new coach during the next international break.
The timing would mean a decision could be taken after Ghazl El Mahalla’s match against Zamalek.
Garrido’s presence at the stadium therefore generated considerable speculation, particularly given his previous relationship with Egyptian football.
But his denial appears to distance him from the vacant or potentially available position at Ghazl El Mahalla.
The 56-year-old has considerable experience of managing clubs in Egypt and across Africa.
His most notable Egyptian achievement came during his spell with Al Ahly, when he guided the Cairo giants to the CAF Confederation Cup title in 2014. He also led the club to victory in the Egyptian Super Cup during his time in charge.
Garrido subsequently returned to Egypt for a brief spell with Ismaily in 2022.
His continental experience extends beyond his work in Egypt. The Spanish coach also won the CAF Confederation Cup with Moroccan side Raja Casablanca.
He has managed several other prominent African clubs, including Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel, Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, and Algerian sides USM Alger and MC Oran.
Garrido has also worked outside Africa, taking charge of Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia and Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates, as well as working in the Iranian league.
That extensive experience made his presence at Ghazl El Mahalla’s match particularly notable at a time when the club are assessing their managerial options.
Al Ahly Bank move up the table
While the defeat deepened Ghazl El Mahalla’s problems, Al Ahly Bank moved to six points with their victory.
They currently occupy ninth place in the Egyptian Premier League standings after four matches.
Ghazl El Mahalla, meanwhile, remain at the bottom of the table with just one point.
The club must now decide whether to continue with Khattab or seek a new manager capable of reversing their fortunes.
Although Garrido has experience of working in Egypt and has previously enjoyed success on the continent, he has made clear that the reports connecting him with Ghazl El Mahalla are not accurate.
For now, the club’s search for a solution to their poor start continues, with their next fixtures likely to determine the direction of the campaign.
The immediate focus will be on the managerial decision and the upcoming match against Zamalek, after which Ghazl El Mahalla could use the international break to make changes if the current run of results continues.
