Coach Koller bemoans absence of Percy Tau after Al Ahly drop points
Al Ahly coach Marcel Koller has attributed the Egyptian club’s impotence in front of goal to injured Percy Tau’s absence.
Koller is quoted bemoaning Percy Tau’s absence after Al Ahly drew one-all with Ceramica Cleopatra FC on Wednesday evening.
The Egyptian Premier League pacesetters, Al Ahly, have now drawn in two consecutive league games.
In a post-match interview with FilGoal.com, the Swiss manager said the team’s finishing improved when Percy Tau returned from injury.
COACH SAYS PERCY TAU HAD SOLVED STRIKERS’ CRISIS
“Percy Tau played and scored two goals in two consecutive matches, and I began to feel that the strikers’ crisis would be resolved, but he was injured [again],” Marcel Koller said.
Al Ahly have played the last three league games without some key players, including Tau.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns forward suffered an injury two weeks ago and might be out of action for a month.
In Tau’s absence, the Reds laboured to force the draw with Cleopatra at Cairo International Stadium.
The 10-time CAF Champions League holders conceded first in what some fans attribute to goalkeeper Mohammed El Shanawy’s mistake.
MARCEL KOLLER REFUSES TO SINGLE OUT KEEPER FOR BLAME
However, Koller refused to blame the Pharaohs’ number one keeper.
“We created many chances, and the goalkeeper blocked many goals, and there was recklessness on the part of the players in front of the goal,” the coach said.
“It is natural that this match ends with a great result for us. I always ask the two fullbacks to play crosses, and I, as a coach, make the team reach the goal, and we only need to score goals.”
The Al Ahly boss hinted on more re-enforcements in the January transfer window, with a word of caution.
“…the problem is that when I choose a player, I do not only look at the techniques, but also on the player’s morals and personality that must suit Al-Ahly,” he added.
During Wednesday’s game, Ahmed Ramadah put the visitors Cleopatra ahead with a fine finish on the stroke of half-time.
The visitors threatened to increase their lead but it was not to be.
The hosts, instead, provided the much-needed reply when Ali Maaloul leveled matters.
Maaloul scored from the penalty spot for Al Ahly with 12 minutes remaining of the clock.
AL AHLY COACH UNDER PRESSURE AFTER BACK-TO-BACK DRAWS
The second back-to-back draw has piled pressure on Koller.
The Swiss coach had started his reign at Al Ahly impressively, winning six games on the bounce.
Now, the wheels have come off, as the Reds have drawn twice in the last three league games.
The back-to-back draws give holders, Zamalek, a chance to displace Al Ahly at the summit of the log table on goal-aggregate.
Zamalek have a game in hand and are three points behind Al Ahly.
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