In his first live TV interview in Egypt, the 49-year-old Spanish tactician said he feels honoured to join the country’s biggest football club.
“Ahly is not just a club—it’s a huge name in African football,” Riveiro said on Ahly TV. “I want to build something special here. I want people to enjoy our football and see a team with a clear identity.”
Riveiro led South Africa’s Orlando Pirates from June 2022 to May 2025, winning three domestic titles and reaching the CAF Champions League semi-finals.
The Spanish tactician faced Ahly twice as Orlando Pirates coach in two games in the CAF Champions League group stage, drawing in one and winning the other.
He said those games showed him how big Ahly are and how passionate their fans are about them.
“I saw how much the fans love this team. The atmosphere in Cairo was amazing. It made me want to be part of this club,” he said.
Ahly made up their mind on hiring Riveiro for the top job during the later stages of the Egyptian Premier League after the exit of Swiss tactician Marcel Koller in April, following a heartbreaking exit from the CAF Champions League to Orlando Pirates' South African rival Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, the club signed him for a two-year contract on 29 May after securing its 45th domestic title in late-May.
Caretaker coach Emad El-Nahas, who took over the helm after Koller's exit, helped Ahly win six straight games, coming from behind in the league table to clinch the trophy.
“It didn’t make sense to change things at that moment,” he explained. “I respected the team’s rhythm and the importance of those games.”
El-Nahas joined Riveiro’s staff as an assistant coach—something Riveiro himself requested.
First Challenge
The new coach is already working hard to prepare the team for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Ahly could face strong international teams, including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, but Riveiro is focused on the basics.
“Our first goal is to win the opening match,” he said. “We’re not just representing Ahly—we’re representing Egypt. That means a lot.”
He added that his coaching team has already studied different opponents and created training plans to match their styles.
Riveiro clarified that he did not ask the club to bring in players from his old team in South Africa.
“I respect the clubs I worked with before. And I trust the players here,” he said. “We have strong talent in every position. We’ll see after the Club World Cup if any changes are needed.”
He also spoke about his focus on developing young players. “There are already promising talents in Ahly’s youth system. I want to give them a chance to grow and play at the top level.”
When asked about his style as a coach, Riveiro said he believes in balance.
“I want us to play good football—but also to win. That’s what the fans expect,” he said. “And I believe pressure is good. It shows how much the fans care. At a big club like Ahly, pressure is part of the job.”
Despite never playing professional football, Riveiro has over 20 years of coaching experience in Spain and Finland.
He said his love for the game made him work harder to succeed as a manager.
“I want to win trophies—but also leave behind a strong system, a clear style, and a proud group of players,” he said. “This club have everything. Now it’s time to move forward together.”
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)