Ahli defender Wael Gomaa believes that the team's recent misfiring could prove beneficial ahead of the new season. The Reds were ousted from the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2002, a few days before suffering an early exit from the Egyptian Cup round of 16. However, Gomaa sees a positive outcome from the disappointing week, with less than a month remaining until the kickoff of the 2011-2012 Egyptian Premier League season. “Even though we are sad to be out of the cup, but it could be a benefit for the team,” the Egypt center-half told FilGoal.com. “We are the only team who didn't have a break following the congestion of last season's fixtures plus the Champions League. Most of us are very tired. “A break before the league could help us prepare well for the new season in order to retain our title for an eighth straight year.” Jose Gomaa rejected the criticism directed against manager Manuel Jose following the Reds' poor run of results, insisting that the Portuguese is untouchable. “We cannot evaluate Jose. The man led Ahli to 21 titles,” Gomaa added. “The fans should back the manager who achieved a lot for the team. As for the skeptics, they can wait another time.”
