Ahly’s newly-appointed Danish coach Jess Thorup expressed his pride at taking charge of the Cairo giants, vowing to deliver unprecedented accomplishments for the club.
At his introductory press conference, Thorup emphasized his excitement about leading one of Africa’s top clubs. “I am honored to coach this great team. I was thrilled to meet with Mahmoud El-Khatib and the football committee, and I was impressed by their remarkable playing backgrounds,” he said.
He added, “We share a similar mindset, especially when discussing attacking roles, since I once played in those positions.”
Thorup conveyed that the club’s relentless winning mentality would not be a burden. “I know that Ahly only thinks about victory,” he said. “I am used to coaching teams that aim to win titles, develop players, and uphold a rich history while creating new successes. I am eager to begin work, meet the players, and build the team’s future.”
He revealed his technical team would arrive in Egypt within two days, comprising five members: two assistant coaches, a goalkeeping coach, a fitness coach, and a performance analyst.
“The focus is solely on winning,” Thorup stated. “My goal is to win titles and qualify for international competitions. I understand the immense pressure that comes with this role, and I am ready for it.”
In-depth analysis and future goals
Thorup confirmed he had watched numerous Ahly matches, including their efforts in the Club World Cup and local league games. “I analyzed the team’s performance to identify areas for improvement, aiming to develop players both individually and collectively,” he explained.
He expressed confidence in the team’s potential: “Achieving what we did in the Club World Cup was a great effort, but the result was not what we wanted. I am here to deliver unprecedented accomplishments and to fulfill the club’s ambitions.”
Reflecting on the offer from Ahly, Thorup said, “I received many offers last month, especially from Bundesliga teams. When you coach in Germany, such opportunities are common. I was excited when Ahly expressed interest, and their officials traveled to Denmark to persuade me. I am proud to join Ahly and eager to succeed while embracing a new culture.”
He acknowledged the media’s intense pressure on Ahly’s coaches. “I am aware of the immense support and love from Egyptian fans—70 to 80 million supporters,” he said. “Since arriving at Cairo airport, I have felt the warmth and recognition. I understand the pressure, but it will not affect my focus. I promise to be honest with the media and share my thoughts about our progress.”
Addressing the tight schedule, Thorup stated, “First, I congratulate Egypt on qualifying for the World Cup. I know that many players are away with their national teams, which reflects the quality of players that Ahly have. I am used to this situation, but unfortunately, we have a match in a few days, and I am waiting for the players to return so I can get to know them and work with them in my new way.”
Thorup’s journey with Ahly will officially kick off on 18 October, when they face Burundi’s Aigle Noir in the CAF Champions League Round of 32.
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