INTERVIEW: Afsha enjoys atmosphere at Al Ahly’s pre-season Spain camp
Al Ahly football team midfielder Mohamed Magdy Afsha said his loan spell at Ittihad of Alexandria was a valuable experience that benefited him personally, while the team achieved its objective of avoiding relegation from the Egyptian Premier League.
“The loan spell was a very positive experience, and I benefited from it a lot. When I joined Ittihad of Alexandria, the circumstances were difficult at first, especially as we were near the bottom of the league table. But we improved over time and managed to achieve our objective of avoiding relegation, which was important for the club,” Afsha said.
On competition for places at Al Ahly, Afsha said he was not concerned by outside speculation.
“I don’t pay attention to what is being said. I always say that the head coach is the one who makes the decisions. My role is to train, do my job, follow the coaching staff’s instructions, and in the end, every player gets his opportunity and his share of success. God gives everyone what they deserve,” he said.
“Playing for Al Ahly always comes with significant pressure from all sides, whether from the media, the fans or social media. That is natural because Al Ahly is the biggest club in Africa and is always expected to compete for every trophy.
“Whenever Al Ahly takes part in an African competition or the FIFA Club World Cup, they are among the leading contenders. The pressure is therefore inevitable, but an Al Ahly player must be able to handle it and have the character required to do so.”
Afsha said scoring important goals was a combination of hard work and good fortune.
“Scoring important goals is a blessing from God and a great deal of good fortune. A player works hard, trains and listens to his coach’s instructions, and ultimately God rewards those who work hard.
“I hope the new season will be a special one for all of us, that I can score important goals and that my teammates can do the same. But ultimately, the most important thing is winning trophies.”
On Al Ahly’s pre-season preparations, Afsha said the team had benefited from a focused start in Egypt before moving to Spain for friendly matches.
“Every coach has his own methods and personality. We started pre-season in Egypt and it was very good. There was a great deal of focus and intensity from all the players, with everyone eager to prove themselves and contribute something positive to the club.
“We are now in Spain for a number of friendly matches, and the atmosphere is excellent. We hope to return to league competition in the best possible shape.” Afsha also praised coach Hussein Ammouta, the coaching staff and football director Wael Gomaa.
“Things are going well with coach Hussein Ammouta and the coaching staff, as well as football director Wael Gomaa. There is a strong sense of focus and hard work.
“I have spoken with Hussein Ammouta, and things between us are going well and are based on mutual respect, which is the most important thing for me. Ultimately, the interests of the club and the team come first.” Afsha said the new season would require collective responsibility from the squad.
“This season is very important for us and requires a great deal of focus and responsibility from all the players, not just the coaching staff or one particular player. We have to support each other because all these details will be important in what will be a difficult season that requires a great deal of responsibility.”
Asked about his approach to dealing with fans and the media, Afsha said he would remain focused on his principles and his work.
“Thank God, I am blessed, and I always deal with people naturally and according to the values I was raised with. My personal life will not change, and your roots never change. I have my principles and values. “My statements always come from the heart, and I will remain the same. I will focus on my work and remain at Al Ahly’s service.”
Speaking about the team’s camp in Spain, he added: “The atmosphere in Spain is very good, and the camp has been excellent. Everything is going well, and everyone is working with great focus in preparation for the new season.”
Afsha said competition for places would benefit the team by pushing players to perform at their best.
“Competition within the team is a positive thing because it helps the coach select the best 11 players, especially since the season is long and we play a large number of matches, which could reach 45 and, in some seasons, as many as 60 across different competitions.
“Competition must therefore exist, and everyone has to maintain their focus. Ultimately, the decision belongs to the head coach, and the most important thing is Al Ahly’s interests.”
Regarding the friendly against Barcelona, Afsha said Al Ahly players had to make the most of the opportunity while remaining focused on their preparations for the new season. “We have two friendly matches in Spain, and the Barcelona game is obviously a major and important one. It is only natural for Al Ahly to face the best clubs in the world. “We are Al Ahly players, so we must give our best in every match while also making sure we are ready for the new season.”
Afsha said Ammouta had stressed the importance of teamwork, discipline and mutual respect within the squad.
“We want every player to look out for his teammates. When we play, we play as one team. At Al Ahly, there is no distinction between a senior player and a young player. “There is mutual respect among everyone, regardless of whether a player is experienced or a youth prospect. Focus is also one of the most important things the coaching staff always emphasizes.”
Reflecting on last season, Afsha acknowledged the frustration among Al Ahly supporters but said the team had to look ahead. “It is natural for the Al Ahly fans to be angry. I was one of the people who felt disappointed and angry as well. But last season is over, and we have to think about what is coming next. “Al Ahly cannot go two seasons without winning trophies. When Al Ahly has a setback in one season, the team comes back stronger the following season.”
Afsha urged Al Ahly supporters to continue backing the team.
“I hope the Al Ahly fans are always happy with us and continue to support us because the new season will be very difficult and requires everyone to stand together. “As players, we will rise to the responsibility, give everything we have and work hard for the team. But we need our fans behind us, as they have always been in every difficult moment.”
He concluded: “I promise the Al Ahly fans that we will give everything we have, and we hope to succeed in winning every trophy available in the new season.”
