Ahli would have 'collapsed' after the departure of highly-rated coach Manuel Jose if it wasn't for Hossam Al-Badri, according to football director Hadi Khashaba. "He's worthier than any other coach of this post," Khashaba told Modern TV. "Even if a foreign manager had taken charge of Ahli, the team would have collapsed under his management. "Al-Badri also had a hand in Ahli's success over the past years. He's the right man for the job." Al-Badri kicked off his managerial career in the summer of 2009 when he took over at Ahli, following the exit of the legendary Jose who's now in charge of Ittihad Jeddah. For around six years under Jose, arguably Ahli's all-time best tactician, the Red Devils rejoiced in a blaze of glory and record-breaking triumphs domestically and continently.
Jose Al-Badri, who was an assistant coach during Jose's reign, took the hot seat after Nelo Vingada had backed out of his deal with the Cairo club. Since he succeeded the charismatic Portuguese, Al-Badri has been barely able to replicate the popularity and success of his predecessor. Over the past few months, Ahli have been slated for their poor run of form, with the 50-year-old boss having the lion's share of criticism. "The fans were more lenient last season because it was Al-Badri's first at the helm," former Ahli skipper Khashaba explained. "But they are more demanding now and expect a lot from us this term."
