CAIRO: Egypt's al-Ahly coach Manuel Jose took the blame for his team's exit from the African Champions League over the weekend, saying he was “responsible” for the Egyptian giants not advancing to the knockout stage. Jose said that the main reason for the team's exit was the first game against Morocco's Wydad Cairo, which ended in a draw 3-3. “I am the one who's responsible. No football team can continue winning forever,” Jose told a press conference after the game, stressing that he is proud of the players and the fans. “I can't blame the players, the club's board or the fans, as they've all tried very hard,” he added, promising the fans that the squad will be better at this season Premier League. The 6-time continental champions were ousted from the competition after stumbling to a draw 1-1 against Tunisia's Esperance, losing out on a chance to advance to the next round due to away goals to Wydad. Esperance advanced atop of Group B on 10 points, with Wydad in second after beating Mouloudia Alger of Algeria 3-1 to land on 7 points, equal to Ahly. The Portuguese coach acknowledged that the team didn't play well in the first half, pointing out that Esperance's goal came from an offside. “I can't comment on the refereeing, but I am really proud of my players,” he stressed. Jose has led Ahly to five African championships and four of other finals. “I think the team will be stronger next year after we make new signings,” he said. BM
