Koller: Al Ahly fans wanted to win every match

Marcel Kohler, the former head coach of Al Ahly and current manager of Swiss side Zurich, stated that his experience with the Red Devils taught him a lot and provided him with numerous insights.

Zürich faces Basel tomorrow evening, Saturday, in a top clash of the third round of the Swiss Super League. This match is particularly special for Marcel Koller.

Kohler, 65, has previously managed 9 classic matches between Zurich and Basel when he was in charge of the latter, but he will face his former team for the first time in over six years.

Koller explained that the pressures he faced at Basel were of a different kind, noting that his previous experience with Al Ahly – which ended a year and a half ago – provided him with significant expertise that allowed him to handle these pressures with greater flexibility and calm.

Marcel Koller stated in remarks reported by Swiss newspaper Now: "It has been a long time since I was part of this encounter... From the fans' side, the match will definitely be special."

The Swiss coach added: "In my last classic match between Basel and Zurich, I was younger, but I also experienced Al Ahly, where the pressure is much greater."

He continued: "At Al Ahly, you have to win every match, otherwise the fans might chase you in the streets. I learned a lot from my successful experience in Egypt and gained many insights, which is important. I believe I have become calmer now."