I’ve Got Your Back, Al Ahly: Walid Salah El-Din Defends His Players — Consequences Included

Source inside Al Ahly: Zizou did not err in not shaking the Zamalek official.

Walid Salah El-Din, the football director of Al Ahly, criticized certain media outlets for circulating rumors about the first team.

Al Ahly clinched the Egyptian Super Cup in the UAE, marking its fifth consecutive win in the competition and the 16th in the club’s history, after defeating Zamalek 2-0 at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, with goals from Ashraf Ben Cherki and Marwan Attia.

In television interviews, Walid Salah El-Din said, "I will confront some news sites and programs that spread misinformation about our players."

He added, "My job is to defend the players, and I am ready to bear the consequences, because I stop team members from replying to every word written or spoken, whether in media statements or on social media."

He stressed, "This is not a threat, but a duty to defend the players, especially in cases involving goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, and the duo Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Mohamed Hani."

He said, "The players are committed to the highest degree, and the evidence is our recent victory in the Egyptian Super Cup in the UAE."

He continued, "Al Ahly won the Super Cup fairly, after a standout performance in the final against Zamalek."

"Al Ahly delivered a strong display against Ceramica Cleopatra and Zamalek, and we captured an important title at the right moment."

Walid Salah El-Din noted, "The final was a proud image that reflected the value and status of Egyptian football, and Ahly aims to win all titles in the coming period."

Zizou's Moment

Ahmed Sayed Zizou sparked wide controversy after refusing to shake Hesham Nasser, Zamalek's vice president, during the Super Cup ceremony.

Zizou did shake hands with everyone present on the podium but avoided Hesham Nasser, instead hugging Khaled Mortagy, Al Ahly's secretary-general and team delegation head, in a striking moment.

Observers interpreted the action as a response to the dispute between him and Zamalek executives during contract renewal talks, particularly the vice president who had claimed Zizou demanded a salary surpassing 80 million Egyptian pounds.

An Al Ahly source told Kooora that Zizou did not wrong any party within the club's structure since joining the Red Castle.

The source added that Zizou's decision not to shake a Zamalek official was his own and linked to past circumstances.

They also said that if there was any overstep, Al Ahly would respond appropriately, and that Zizou had been highly disciplined yesterday despite provocations; they respect and appreciate his discipline.

Zizou achieved his first title in red following his high-profile transfer on June 6 after turning down renewal talks with Zamalek.

Return of Trezeguet

The Al Ahly delegation decided to bring Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet back to Cairo and not to join the national team's camp.

A source said Trezeguet underwent a medical examination in a medical center in Abu Dhabi early this morning, revealing a hamstring strain.

The director Walid Salah El-Din instructed Ahmed Jabballah, the team doctor, to send the scans to the national team doctor and inform him of Trezeguet's condition, noting he would not join the Pharaohs' camp currently in the UAE during this international window.

Loyalty to the Promise

Hussein El Shahat said Al Ahly's victory over Zamalek in the Super Cup final in Abu Dhabi was deserved, with the team the better side throughout, earning the trophy for the fifth time in a row.

El Shahat stressed that the players always shoulder responsibility and performed excellently throughout the tournament, fulfilling their vow to win the Super Cup, adding to Al Ahly's record of achievements.

He thanked Al Ahly fans for their unwavering support during the semifinals against Ceramica Cleopatra and the final against Zamalek, saying they did not let the team down and deserve the trophy.

Ben Cherki's Message

Moroccan Ashraf Ben Cherki said he is very happy to have contributed to Al Ahly's fifth consecutive Super Cup, noting that all players are delighted and hope to add more titles.

Ben Cherki praised the club's coach, Yis Tourab, describing him as a great coach with standout ideas and providing players with valuable information; with this squad, Al Ahly will go far and win many titles domestically and continentally.

He added that Al Ahly fans deserve the Super Cup for their constant support in all competitions, domestic or abroad, and playing before such large crowds gives players confidence and motivation to win consistently.

Ben Cherki concluded that he aims to keep improving and maintain his form to help the club achieve more success.

Punchline 1: If drama were a sport, the press would be the league leaders.

Punchline 2: My phone has more clout than some press conferences; at least it rings with a straight answer.