Koller: Goals will give Modeste more confidence

Anthony Modeste of Al Ahly appears dejected after losing the African Football League 2023 match between Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns at Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on the 1 November 2023 ©Mostafa Emira/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Nov 11, 2023. 12:11

Al Ahly head coach Marcel Koller has urged fans to be patient with Anthony Modeste as he believes the veteran striker has a lot to offer the team.

Modeste made the move to Egypt in September after spending the last five years in Germany, mostly recently with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

However, the Frenchman has yet to score in four Egyptian Premier League appearances for the Red Eagles, with his solitary goal coming in the 3-0 win over ENPPI in the Egypt Cup on October 4.

Modeste was only given a five-minute run-out against Ceramica Cleopatra on Wednesday as Koller’s side emerged 2-1 victors, leading some to question why he was signed.

But Koller believes the 35-year-old is making progress and insists he just needs time to get used to Egyptian football.

“Modeste needs time to adapt to our style of football. We are doing our best to facilitate that process,” the Swiss tactician said ahead of the league clash with El Gouna on Saturday.

“He played the full 90 minutes in the last game and performed much better. He has a lot to offer but he needs to score goals to gain confidence.”