Mohsen Saleh, former head of the Al-Ahly Club’s Planning Committee, spoke about several incidents that revealed the behind-the-scenes of the differences between the committee and Swiss Marcel Kohler, the coach of the Red Team.
Mohsen Saleh assumed the presidency of the Planning Committee at the end of 2019, then apologized for not continuing in this position in August of this year.
Modest deal
Mohsen Saleh said in statements to On Time Sports 2: “Kohler was the one who insisted on contracting Anthony Modest, and the planning committee was not aware of that until after the player arrived at the airport.”
He explained: “Even after Modest appeared at a lower level than required, Kohler did not agree to his departure, and he was the only one who was convinced of him, and the Planning Committee was wronged because it did not discuss the idea of contracting with him.”
Youssef Ayman
Mohsen Saleh pointed out the change in the Swiss coach’s conviction in including Youssef Ayman, as he said: “Kohler watched Youssef Ayman and gave his approval before contracting with him, but now he does not depend on him.”
He added: “All the players who were contracted came after obtaining Kohler’s approval.”
Qandusi’s departure
On the other hand, Saleh revealed the scenes behind the departure of Ahmed Al-Qandousi on loan to Ceramica Cleopatra at the request of Koller, where he said in this regard: “Qandousi is a distinguished player who has many solutions, and Koller refused to continue him because he is not good at defending strongly.”
The former head of the planning committee explained that Kohler’s point of excluding Kandousi has a logical aspect, which is that the player “does not have a specific fixed position.”
He added: “Kohler requested the departure of Qandousi and the signing of another player with clear specifications in the midfield in order to defend and attack.”
Stubborn personality
Mohsen Saleh described Kohler as a stubborn person, saying: “Kohler is stubborn and does not accept advice.”
He concluded: “Mahmoud Al-Khatib, President of Al-Ahly Club, believes in the necessity of the coach being convinced of the players who are contracted, and he does not like to put too much pressure on the coaches.”
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