Ahly coach Koller 'frustrated' by Real Madrid defeat, but 'confident in a better future'

Mahmoud Elassal , Thursday 9 Feb 2023

Ahly coach Marcel Koller says that he is frustrated over the loss to Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals but is still confident in a better future.

Koller
Ahly s Swiss coach Marcel Koller reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup first round football match between Egypt s Al-Ahly and New Zealand s Auckland City at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on February 1, 2023. AFP

 

The Red Devils lost 4-1 to European Champions Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final on Wednesday and failed to reach the tournament's final for the first time as millions of fans hoped.

“I am very frustrated because of the defeat to Real Madrid. We were looking forward to a better result during the game,” Koller was quoted as saying on Ahly’s official website after the game.

Real Madrid took the lead just before half-time with a Vinicius chip, and then Valverde smashed in the second soon after the break.

Madrid endured a nervier spell after Ali Maaloul earned the 10-time African Champions League winners a foothold in the game from the penalty spot.

“We started the game with a promising performance but we failed to make use of the scoring chances we created during the game,” Koller said.

Ahly's loss to the Real marked their first defeat in 22 games under the helm of Koller since he took over the team last September.

“I have been working hard to improve performance," Koller stressed.

"The performance is progressing. I am confident it will be better in the future,” the Swiss tactician added.

Ahly are scheduled to face Copa Libertadores winners Flamengo of Brazil in the bronze medal of the Club World Cup contest on Saturday.

“I know well that the Brazilian team have more talented players and we will play well against them in the 3rd place decider,” the Swiss coach said.

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