Merreikh coach El-Badry hits back at critics

Hatem Maher , Friday 22 Apr 2011

Hossam El-Badry, the Egyptian coach of Sudan’s El-Merreikh, hits back at critics questioning his tactical choices

Hossam El-Badry

El-Merreikh coach Hossam El-Badry has reacted with anger after some Sudanese critics questioned his coaching credentials.

El-Badry took over at El-Merreikh last summer after leaving Cairo giants Ahly, whom he led to the Egyptian Premier League title last season.

Under his guidance, the team made a superb start to the Sudanese league, winning their first six games to top the table with a three-point lead over bitter foes Al-Hilal.

But they suffered a surprise African Champions League exit from the preliminary round, after losing to Angola’s Interclub on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate draw.

“I’m fully qualified to manage El-Merreikh. I was an assistant to Ahly manager Manuel Jose before becoming the team’s head coach for a year and half,” El-Badry was quoted as saying by the Sudanese media on Friday.

“I’m also one of the Egyptian managers who could obtain FIFA’s A licence in coaching. If I was not qualified, the Egyptian Football Association would not allow me to practice this job.

“I will turn a blind eye to rumours and ignorance and anything that could distract me from doing my job.”

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