Manuel Jose claims fourth successive Egyptian title

Ex Sporting and Benfica coach rules out return to Portugal

On Monday this week Portuguese coach Manuel Jose won his fourth Egyptian title. Five rounds from the end of the championship, Al-Ahly have established an unassailable 17-point advantage over their nearest rivals.

Despite the big point gap, Jose said that of the four successive league crowns, this was the most difficult. The 62-year-old also ruled out a return to management in Portugal, saying his is likely to stay in Cairo although he was prepared to listen to offers from elsewhere in Europe.

Speaking shortly after wrapping up yet another national triumph, the former Sporting and Benfica coach said, “Of the four titles we won, this was the season when we dropped most points. We have a lot of international players and there have been no holidays, which made things very difficult.

“We made a huge effort to establish a big lead. It was extremely exhausting, with no rest either physically or mentally.”

Idolised in Egypt, Manuel Jose has now won the African Champions League title 3 times, the African Super Cup 3 times, the Egyptian League 4 times, the Egyptian Cup twice and the Egyptian Super Cup 3 times, making it an impressive haul of 15 trophies.

Contract extension likely

Jose ends his contract with the African club in June. He has not yet decided on his future, although he is inclined to extend his stay at the club he has now been at for six years.

“I will probably stay, but now is not the time to decide. I’ll make my decision next month,” said the coach, adding that his likely option to remain in Egypt is due to the way the fans treat him and the support he gets regardless of what the score is or the way the team plays.

The straight-talking Jose ruled out a return to Portugal, but said that a job elsewhere in Europe is a possibility. “It’s not even worth asking me again about the Portugal head coach job, I’m not thinking about that. As for a coaching job in Europe, yes, it’s a possibility but in Portugal no.”


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