CAIRO: Egyptian giants Al-Ahly have named Danish manager Jess Thorup as their new head coach on a two-and-a-half-year contract, the club announced on Wednesday.
The 55-year-old replaces Spaniard Jose Riveiro, who was dismissed after a disappointing start to the season that included an early exit from the Club World Cup and inconsistent domestic form.
Thorup, who previously managed Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, as well as FC Copenhagen, Genk, Gent and Denmark’s Under-21 team, is set to arrive in Cairo on Thursday alongside his coaching staff. He will officially take charge on Friday.
Riveiro’s short tenure saw Al-Ahly win just once in four Premier League outings, drawing twice and losing once to rivals Pyramids. However, interim coach Emad El Nahhas has steadied the ship, guiding the team level on 18 points with league leaders Zamalek and El-Masry, while still holding a game in hand.
Thorup’s first challenge will be to maintain that momentum and restore Al-Ahly’s dominance both domestically and on the continental stage.
