CAIRO: Hundreds of Al Ahly fans gathered at the Cairo airport on Saturday to welcome Manuel Jose, as a sort of an apology to the Portuguese manager who came under attack after losing the CAF Champions League. The Portuguese manager Jose was astonishingly attacked by a section of Al Ahly fans following the team s 3-1 defeat to Etoile Sahel in the final. I m very proud, those fans are very faithful. I will do my best to make sure their expectations are fulfilled, he told reporters. Jose was pelted with bottles while on his way to receive the silver medal from President Hosni Mubarak. Jose then exchanged angry words with a number of fans before expressing his disappointment with their attitude in the post-match press conference. The 61-year-old, who guided Al Ahly to a host of trophies during his second spell that started in 2004, also said he was ready to leave if the fans did not support him anymore. But supporters proved their loyalty as Jose arrived in Cairo after spending his vacation in Portugal, waving flags and chanting supporting slogans for the former Sporting Lisbon manager. Al Ahly fans were dreaming of a third successive appearance in the World Club Cup, but their hopes were dashed by Tunisia s Etoile. Jose assured them the Cairo giants will reach the competition next year. We are ready to go to Japan once again and even compete for the title, he said.
