Al Ahly’s Thorup counts on fan support to beat JS Kabylie

Al Ahly head coach Jess Thorup said the team will head into their CAF Champions League clash with JS Kabylie in high spirits after winning the Egyptian Super Cup and regaining their full complement of international players.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday at Cairo International Stadium, Thorup said: “We are fully focused on the match. We’ve worked hard to prepare and we’re starting a new phase in the Champions League. This game is very important for us.”

“We want to win every match, especially at home. I hope our fans will be there tomorrow to push us toward victory,” he added.

“I always hope to see as many fans as possible because their presence gives us huge motivation and helps us achieve the best results,” he said.

Thorup said midfielder Emam Ashour had trained well and shown strong progress in his recovery, stressing the importance of introducing talented players at the right moment.

He also praised young midfielder Hamza Abdelkarim, who trained with the senior squad this week, saying the key for youth players is to showcase their abilities effectively.

The Danish coach said his priority is improving performance and preparing for all match scenarios.

“Some teams prefer to sit deep rather than play in transition, so we work on creating chances in numbers,” he said.

Thorup added that Al Ahly had assessed their recent performances during the international break but had already moved on from their Super Cup triumph.

“I never dwell on the past. We’ve closed that chapter and are fully focused on the games ahead,” he said.

He acknowledged the expectations that come with coaching the record African champions.

“I know the club’s history and the pressure that comes with working here, but the most important thing is winning. We evaluate every player, we work professionally and in coordination with the national teams. With time and collective effort, we will win more trophies.”

Thorup said recent training sessions were encouraging and the squad was in good condition.

“We have very few injuries, which shows we’re ready to compete. Selecting the matchday squad is a technical decision for the coaching staff,” he concluded.