Ahly coach Fathi Mabrouk has praised the teams new signings, saying they will work in a well-organised system and will do their best to book a regular place in the team's starting lineups.

After losing the league title for the first time since 2004, Ahly have strengthened their squad before the new season.

They have recently signed Gabon striker Malick Evouna, marksmen John Antwi from Ghana, Mohamed Hamdi, international midfielder Saleh Gomaa, versatile defender Ahmed Fathi, rising star winger Ahmed El-Sheikh, Sporting Lisbon defender Rami Rabia and Fiorentina defender Ahmed Hegazy.

"I am not the kind of coach who leans towards giving out compliments to please the players," Mabrouk was quoted as saying on a television programme Friday.

"Signing more talented players won't affect the old ones, as they all know they work in a well-organised system," he said.

"Those newly signed players will give the technical staff choices to deal with injuries and suspensions," the Ahly coach added.

Ahly has reached the Egypt Cup semifinals, and are also bidding to retain the CAF Confederation Cup title as they face Stade Malien in the group stage next week.

Mabrouk, who has led the Red Devils since the sacking of manager Juan Carlos Garrido in May, is under pressure as reports in the Egyptian media claim the Ahly management are considering hiring a new foreign coach for the new season.

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