Part of the Press conference. Photo courtesy of Al-Ahly Facebook page.
The Moroccan tactician was appointed in mid-June after signing a two-year contract with the club.
The 56-year-old succeeded Danish coach Jess Thorup, who left by mutual consent following a disappointing season in which Ahly failed to win a major trophy.
"I'm very happy to join this successful institution," Ammouta said in a press conference at the club headquarter.
The coach also thanked the club management for their confidence in him and also for the warm reception, describing Ahly as Africa's biggest club because of its history and record of success.
Ammouta acknowledged the scale of the task ahead, saying he understood that Ahly supporters expect nothing less than victories and trophies. "We will do everything we can to achieve the fans' ambitions and deliver a season worthy of the club's name," he said.
“The performances on the pitch and trophies would be the best response to any questions about my appointment,” he added.
Ahly talks, new signings
Ammouta revealed that talks with Ahly began six weeks ago before the deal was finalized, stressing that new signings would be made solely on merit, regardless of nationality, and that any new arrival must strengthen the squad.
“Ahly's current squad as highly talented and places in the team would be earned through hard work and performance,” the new coach explained.
Ammouta stressed the importance of the club's youth academy too, saying young players would be integrated gradually to gain experience while maintaining the team's competitiveness.
“I was following Ahly closely in recent months and I am eager to start the training camps to help me to know the players better,” he said.
“The club's passionate supporters and strong infrastructure provide the foundations for success, but working at Ahly requires a personality capable of handling pressure and delivering results,” he concluded.
Ammouta led Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca to the CAF Champions League title in 2017, defeating Ahly in the final, and also guided the Moroccan club to the domestic league title that year.
He previously won the CAF Confederation Cup with FUS Rabat and enjoyed domestic success with Qatar's Al Sadd.
At international level, Ammouta guided Morocco's home-based national team to the African Nations Championship title and led Jordan to the final of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
His most recent coaching role was with UAE side Al Jazira in 2024 before he was dismissed following a run of poor results.
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