Ahli coach Manuel Jose admitted that his side are not ready yet to mount a serious challenge for the FIFA Club World Cup title. The Red Devils will appear in the tournament for a record third time after winning an unprecedented sixth Champions League title earlier this month. Expectations are high for Ahli, who clinched the bronze medal in their latest Club World Cup participation in 2006. But Jose remains cautious. "The impossible task (winning the title) needs more time to be achieved," the Portuguese coach said during a press conference on Saturday. "We will do our best to represent African and Egyptian football well, but people must be aware that there is a big gap between football in South America and Europe, and football in Africa."
Shadi realistic Jose, who led Ahli to a host of local and continental titles, hinted that he would be glad if Ahli managed to repeat the 2006 feat. "For any African team, finishing third in the Club World Cup resembles winning the title." Realistic Ahli skipper Shadi Mohamed echoed Jose's sentiment, calling on the fans to be realistic. "We will consider every match as a final because in such types of tournaments there is no room for amendment." "However, fans should be realistic. People have already begun talking about a potential final against Manchester United." Ahli will kick-off their Club World Cup campaign against Mexico's Pachuca on December 13th.
