Ahli transfer guru Adli Al-Qaeyi played down reports suggesting that the Cairo side would dismantle their squad and dispense with the old guard in the process. The Red Devils' veterans, including Mohamed Abou-Treika, Wael Gomaa, Mohamed Barakat and Ahmed Hassan, have been frequently criticized of late for their inconsistency, with the team's form fluctuating. It was reported that Ahli's football committee would be eyeing a buying spree in the January transfer window in order to inject new blood into the squad. Some newpapers also conjectured that the six-time African champions would offload the ageing players. However, Al-Qaeyi strenuously denied Ahli's alleged plan, saying it's uncharacteristic of the club. "This is not how Ahli bolster their squad," he told Modern TV. "The football committee didn't decide anything like that, it's just absurd. "Whoever claims a source from inside the football committee said that needs to realize that Ahli would never think that way. "Ahli are in a transitional period these days. A new coaching staff were appointed and their playing style is changing too." Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Shafi 'Zizo', who was chief of Ahli's youth sector, was installed as the senior team head coach on a temporary basis following the departure of Hossam Al-Badri and his backroom boys by mutual consent. Under Al-Badri, Ahli suffered lackluster performances and a string of unsatisfying results on all fronts this season.
