Weiler discusses Saleh Gomaa’s future, Kahraba’s input at Al Ahly

Dubai - Yasmine El Tohamy - Al Ahly manager Rene Weiler discussed Saleh Gomaa’s future, his stance from a potential move to Zamalek, his side’s attitude in the Super Cup and Kahraba’s improvement in a long televised interview.

The 46-year-old was questioned about Saleh Gomaa’s case to which he replied:

“It is very easy, the way he plays and his performance prefers to have the ball in his foot and attack from deep areas of the pitch, I had a discussion with him and I told him that if he wanted to play he should return to his level last season,” Weiler told ON Time Sport channel.

“I spoke to him but I cannot do it 10 times because I have other players who are more keen to have the chance. I told the board that it is better for him to search for a new club. His work on himself and his departure is better for him and the club, it is difficult to be in my team.”

‘’Saleh shouldn’t wait for my departure, instead he should work on himself, I have no issue with him joining Zamalek and I would wish him all the best.”

Weiler concluded: ‘’ I don’t want to talk a lot about Saleh Gomaa because there are other players that deserve to be talked about as well.’’

Following Zamalek’s win in the Cairo derby and domestic Super Cup game, a brawl had taken place after provocation from both sides were made.

The incident after the penalty shootout caused the Egyptian Football Association to take action against certain players, one of those was former Zamalek and current Al Ahly winger Mahmoud Kahraba.

Talking about the occurence, Weiler said:

“The thing that bothered me is the behavior of the players after the the game, we should set an example for the people and respect the shirt we wear. I congratulated the Zamalek coach after the loss and that’s it.”

‘’We had to win in the 90 minutes, we practiced penalty kicks. There was pressure and this happens. I accept the criticism.”

When asked about his chat with the players before the penalty shootout, the Red Devils manager revealed:

‘’There is fatigue and pressure, and I have to check the status of the players before taking the penalties and I was preparing for it.”

Talking about the game, the Swiss added:

“I do not remember any real chances for Zamalek during the match, and after the match criticism comes out naturally.

Weiler did not want to point out individuals as he was questioned about Kahraba, he said:

“I am not talking about Kahraba specifically, but rather speaking in general. The behavior of all players bothered me and in the Borg Al Arab match the conditions were similar. We must respect the clean and fair play rules, we must respect the game law even at a time of frustration.

“I respect all the factors surrounding football and my decision about Kahraba was technical, it provoked him and he provoked the players. This happens in all the world.”

“I approved Kahraba’s transfer but I asked him to work on himself a lot because he was out of form. Players must be physically prepared. There are players who dream of being in Kahraba’s place at Al Ahly, so they should always be physically and technically ready.”

“Kahraba is now a lot better. His start was not very good, he has a great talent and he is physically improving. He understood my message and worked on himself a lot and reached the stage of physical and technical readiness.”

Discussing his relationship with the players, Weiler assured: ‘’I love all the players personally, however, we are not friends. The one with the best performance will play.’’