Ahly coach Thorup. Photo courtesy of Ahly
Thorup said the win, secured in the sixth round of the Egyptian Premier League’s championship phase, marked a second consecutive 3-0 triumph and was a reward for the fans’ backing.
“I congratulate our great fans on this victory. They supported us passionately and deserve it,” Thorup said in a post-match press conference, dedicating the result to the supporters. He also apologised for the team’s recent dip in form, acknowledging a difficult period marked by inconsistent results.
The Danish coach said he hoped the performance would mark “the beginning of a new period full of victories,” while conceding the team had not been at its best prior to the last two matches.
Thorup addressed criticism surrounding player selections, questioning the focus on Achraf Bencharki while highlighting the continued involvement of Hussein El-Shahat. He noted that deploying Bencharki as a striker was not new, referencing a similar approach in a previous match against Esperance, and said a defensive error had affected the player’s confidence.
He added that he had spoken to Bencharki about his form, expressing satisfaction at the winger’s improvement compared to his display in the Super Cup against Zamalek.
On Emam Ashour’s injury, Thorup said the midfielder had sustained a knock to the knee following contact, adding that the club was awaiting a final diagnosis but hoped it would prove to be a minor bruise.
The coach also linked earlier inconsistencies to international call-ups and squad disruptions, noting that reliance on younger players during the Capital Cup had affected performances. He said the absence of key players for up to seven weeks, combined with injuries—particularly in attack—had made it difficult to maintain momentum.
“We are still missing Trezeguet, but now we have alternatives, which we did not have before,” he said.
Responding to reports of interference from technical staff in recent matches, Thorup dismissed the claims, stating that only he determines the starting line-up.
Thorup also touched on January transfer activity, revealing that discussions had taken place with club officials regarding reinforcements. He said he had outlined both positional needs and the required quality, stressing that any additions must be capable of making a tangible impact.
“I will not run away or give up,” he said. “I am happy to be at Ahly and always have a fighting spirit, but any decision about my future will not be mine.”
The victory lifts Ahly to 50 points in third place in the league standings, three behind leaders Zamalek and one adrift of second-placed Pyramids, who drew with Ceramica Cleopatra.
Ahly will face Masry in the final round of the league campaign.
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