Photo courtesy of Al Ahly SC
Taher Mohamed Taher struck late to secure the win for Ahly in the second round of the championship group’s second phase, rescuing the team from a second successive stumble in the domestic competition.
Speaking after the match, Thorup said belief and confidence were key to achieving results. “If we have that, we can achieve anything,” he told a post-match press conference.
He stressed the importance of maintaining intensity throughout the match, noting his side had struggled against defensively organized opponents. “We needed to keep our spirit until the very end,” he said, adding that many teams adopt a deep defensive approach against Ahly.
Thorup praised match-winner Taher and the squad for securing all three points but expressed dissatisfaction with the closing stages. “I’m not satisfied with the last 20 minutes. We started well and scored, but after that we were not in control,” he said.
The Danish coach underlined that consistency across the full 90 minutes is essential. “You cannot win by only playing well in the last 10 minutes—you must perform throughout the entire match,” he said.
He dismissed concerns about fitness, attributing performance fluctuation to individual form. “Some players were not at their usual level, which is why substitutions are made. I cannot win with just 11 players,” Thorup said, citing rotation decisions, including the inclusion of Hussein El-Shahat.
Thorup also defended his squad management, saying underperforming players are replaced for the benefit of the team. He revealed he had granted the squad four days off following the win, citing fatigue among players, particularly internationals.
“The best time to give players a break is after a win,” he said, adding that he had been “very harsh” at half-time after a drop in performance following the opening goal, despite being pleased with the first 25 minutes.
The victory lifts Ahly to 44 points in third place, level with Pyramids in second and two points behind leaders Zamalek, who have a game in hand.
Smouha remain seventh on 31 points.
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