Former Egyptian football star Mohamed Abdel Galil strongly criticized Al Ahly’s performance during their Joan Gamper Trophy clash with Barcelona, stressing that the Red Giants left the match with several technical issues that must be addressed before the start of the new season. ⚽
Al Ahly lost 2-1 to Barcelona in a match that saw different levels of performance from the Egyptian side. The team managed to reduce the deficit in the second half but could not find an equalizer despite its attempts during the final stages.
Although facing Barcelona represents an extremely difficult challenge, Abdel Galil believes the match exposed several problems that require quick attention from the coaching staff and club management, particularly in defense.
🔥 Abdel Galil: There Is a Major Gap Between Barcelona and Egyptian League Teams
Mohamed Abdel Galil emphasized that Al Ahly’s players faced an extremely difficult test against Barcelona, pointing out the significant differences between the Catalan giants and most of the team’s opponents in the Egyptian Premier League in terms of speed, quality and technical ability.
He acknowledged that Al Ahly’s players can be understood given the level of the opposition, but he also made it clear that he was not satisfied with the overall shape and performance of the team during the match.
According to Abdel Galil’s assessment, the Barcelona game represented a genuine opportunity to identify weaknesses, particularly because facing a world-class opponent can expose problems that may not appear as clearly against domestic competition.
🛡️ Defensive Problems Require Solutions
Abdel Galil highlighted Al Ahly’s defensive structure as one of the most concerning areas, suggesting that some of the problems in the back line have continued from last season.
In his view, Al Ahly need to reorganize their defense before entering official competitions. Although the team will not face Barcelona-level opposition throughout the season, many domestic and continental matches will still require strong concentration, organization and defensive discipline.
Abdel Galil also suggested that Hady Riad cannot carry the responsibility of leading Al Ahly’s defense on his own, raising the need to evaluate the available options in central defense, whether through the current squad or potential reinforcements if circumstances allow.
The importance of this issue increases with the crowded domestic and continental schedule, making it essential for Al Ahly to have more than one reliable option in central defense. 🏆
⭐ Emam Ashour Comes Under Criticism
Abdel Galil’s comments were not limited to the team’s technical performance. He also addressed Emam Ashour’s situation amid continued speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future at Al Ahly and the possibility of his departure during the current transfer window.
The former player compared Emam Ashour’s situation to that of Juan Bezerra at Zamalek, arguing that Al Ahly should adopt a firm approach and emphasizing that the club is capable of continuing its journey even if one of its players leaves.
Abdel Galil believes approving Emam Ashour’s departure could be an appropriate option if keeping the player could lead to a repeat of the problems that emerged inside the dressing room last season.
📢 Al Ahly Is Bigger Than Any Player
Abdel Galil stressed that Al Ahly’s value and history do not depend on the presence of one individual player, emphasizing that the club’s interests must remain above individual considerations.
His comments come at a time when Emam Ashour’s situation is attracting considerable attention, particularly amid reports of overseas interest and the club’s desire to maintain stability before the start of the new season.
In such situations, the final decision remains dependent on the management and coaching staff’s assessment of the player’s technical value, his impact on the pitch and his relationship with the rest of the squad.
⚽ What Does Al Ahly Need Before the New Season?
The Barcelona match gave Al Ahly an important opportunity to assess the team’s readiness, but it also highlighted several areas that require attention before official competitions begin.
Improving defensive organization, increasing understanding between the players and resolving controversial internal issues are likely to be among the coaching staff’s main priorities during the coming period.
It will also be important to build on the positive aspects of the match, particularly Al Ahly’s ability to fight back in the second half against a top-level opponent, rather than focusing solely on the defeat.
Ultimately, the responsibility now lies with Al Ahly’s management and coaching staff to resolve the outstanding issues and prepare the squad properly for the new season.
Do you agree with Mohamed Abdel Galil that Emam Ashour’s departure would be the best decision for Al Ahly, or should the club keep the player and give him another opportunity? Share your opinion with Al Ahly supporters. 🔥🏆
