El Nahhas: Winning the title was far easier as a player

by Staff Reporter

Thursday May 29, 2025. 11:00

Emad El Nahhas has expressed his gratitude to Al Ahly president Mahmoud El-Khatib for having faith in him after guiding the team to their 45th Egyptian Premier League title.

The Red Eagles thrashed 10-man Pharco 6-0 at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday to finish two points above Pyramids in the Championship Group.

El Nahhas was handed the reins on a caretaker basis on April 27 following the departure of Marcel Koller in the wake of his side’s elimination from the CAF Champions League at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals.

The former Egypt international oversaw a six-match winning streak as the Cairo giants overtook Pyramids at the summit to clinch a third consecutive league crown.

El Nahhas, who won 17 trophies with Al Ahly as a player, admitted it was far tougher to secure the championship as a coach and revealed that getting his squad in the right frame of mind was key to their latest success.

“I congratulate the great Ahly fans and thank club president Mahmoud El-Khatib for his immense confidence. I also congratulate the administrative, medical, and technical staff, as well as all the players,” the 49-year-old said.

“It was a beautiful day. We pledged from the first day to win the remaining six matches. We received a gift, which we accepted, and then we focused on the psychological aspects with the players, especially since we faced difficult circumstances, but we succeeded in overcoming them.

“The league title is the simplest thing I could offer to our fans. Some players needed support and special psychological treatment, and our conversations with them were crucial.

“I thank the players for their receptiveness; my relationship with all of them is wonderful. It is easier to win championships as a player, but as a coach, it was much more difficult.”