Osama Arabi, the former Al Ahly star, shared his views on several important issues within Al Ahly and Egyptian football, evaluating the performance of the Red Giants under the leadership of Hussein Amouta, amid dissatisfaction with the team's display despite achieving victories with the Moroccan coach.
Osama Arabi opened up in an interview with "Youm7" to express his opinions on a number of controversial issues in the sports community, focusing on Al Ahly as one of the stars of the Red Castle during its golden era.
What do you think of Al Ahly's performance?
The results are good, but the performance is not convincing, and the victory in the Cairo derby has given the team confidence during this period.
What did you not like about Al Ahly's performance?
The performance was not exceptional because the team relies on the experience of its players. The level in the last match against Zamalek was close, but Al Ahly managed to score two goals, and there is no significant impact from the new players in the attacking line.
What are the main technical problems in Al Ahly?
There are significant issues with the defenders in dealing with the balls, and the attackers have not provided offensive solutions to assist the team.
What is Amouta's problem?
The problem relates to part of Amouta and part of the players he signed, who have not proven their worth, such as Sofiane Benjedida, Mounsef Bakar, and Abdallah Al-Qutai. Ali Mahmoud started the season well but has since declined, and no player has proven to be a star so far.
Do you have any other comments on Amouta?
There are some unclear decisions from Amouta, such as not giving Hussein El Shahat more playing time and delaying his participation in matches, as well as not providing opportunities for the young duo Omar Said Maawad and Mohamed Abdullah, who deserve to play as starters because they are better than some other players.
In your opinion, who is the best player in Al Ahly this season?
I believe that Mostafa Shobeir, Marwan Attia, Mohamed Hani, and Akram Tawfik are the four best players in Al Ahly this season.
In your view, who is better to play on the right wing, Zizo or Hussein El Shahat?
El Shahat can play in other positions besides the right wing, such as midfield or left wing, while Zizo can start as a starter, but El Shahat needs a bigger opportunity and should have a larger role.
How do you see the competition for the league title this season?
I see that the competition will be limited to the trio of Pyramids, Al Ahly, and Zamalek, and I cannot determine who is the strongest, as Pyramids is performing well but loses points at unexpected times. Zamalek can compete but needs new reinforcements in January.
Is it expected that we will see competition from the other teams?
There is no other club besides the mentioned trio capable of competing for the league title.
Who is better for Al Ahly's goalkeeping: El Shenawy or Shobeir?
Both are good, and currently, Shobeir is the first choice. It is natural for El Shenawy to play, and I agree with the system followed in Shobeir's matches in the league and El Shenawy's in Africa, but the decision depends on the coaching staff's vision.
Does Al Ahly need new signings in January?
Al Ahly needs a distinguished center-back and a striker if Sofiane and Bakar continue at the same level without making a difference.
Which player do you wish to see at Al Ahly?
I hope Al Ahly signs Mostafa Ziko from Pyramids, although I know it will be difficult, but his joining Al Ahly would be excellent. Also, Mahmoud Mamdouh, a striker from Modern Sport, is a good player, and I see that Al Ahly needs a new reinforcement in attack.
Who are the distinguished players to strengthen the defense?
The distinguished defenders are only found in Zamalek and Pyramids regarding center-backs, and no player has caught my attention in other clubs.
Who do you see as your successor and similar to you in midfield performance?
I do not like this comparison, as every player has his own style.
If you were present, how much would you ask for to renew your contract?
I would remain among the first-class players as I was when I was on the field, and I earned 40,000 pounds a season.
Why are you away from Al Ahly or coaching?
This question should be directed to the management, as they are responsible for my absence. However, regarding coaching, I had hoped to coach one of the teams in the Premier League, but that did not happen. I currently work as a general supervisor for the youth and women's teams at City Club.
