Egyptian football coach Tarek Mostafa has embarked on a new challenge with Al-Faisaly in Jordan, quickly accumulating points and propelling the team to the top of the league. This impressive start has come with a renewed sense of ambition, as the team aims to reclaim the title that has eluded them for three seasons. Mostafa's approach has been to carefully observe his players, selecting the most suitable lineup to maximize their potential.
Mostafa's journey to Al-Faisaly began with direct communication from the club's management, who were drawn to his impressive track record in the Moroccan league. Having previously worked in Egypt and Morocco, Mostafa was keen to expand his horizons and explore opportunities in the Jordanian league. The move was facilitated by his reputation, which had reached the ears of Al-Faisaly's management through their inquiries with his former club.
One of Mostafa's earliest achievements with Al-Faisaly was winning the Super Cup, defeating Al-Wahdat in the semi-finals and Al-Hussein Irbid in the final. This victory marked an important milestone for the club and validated Mostafa's approach to the team's preparation. The Egyptian coach emphasized that his strategy was centered around understanding the team's dynamics and leveraging the players' strengths.
Mostafa expressed admiration for the Jordanian league, describing it as highly competitive, with a strong presence of skilled players. He noted that Al-Faisaly's success was not solely dependent on his coaching but also on the team's existing strengths and the support of the management and fans. The coach remains focused on sustaining the team's performance and navigating the challenges of the league.
Mostafa also shared his thoughts on the experience of fellow Egyptian coach Emad El-Nahhas, who joined Al-Wahdat in Jordan. Mostafa views El-Nahhas's appointment as a significant gain for Jordanian football, given his extensive experience in Egyptian and Iraqi football. Mostafa advocates for increased opportunities for Egyptian coaches in Arab leagues, citing the benefits of cultural exchange and professional growth.
The Egyptian coach touched on the declining presence of Egyptian coaches in prominent Arab leagues, attributing this trend to challenges in obtaining advanced coaching licenses. He noted that several countries now require coaches to hold specific certifications, such as the PRO and A licenses, which can be a barrier for Egyptian coaches seeking opportunities abroad.
Mostafa addressed the controversy surrounding Egyptian player Mohamed Salah, who reportedly distanced himself from the national team after a heated exchange with a coach. Mostafa stressed the importance of treating Salah with respect and professionalism, given his stature as a global football star. He drew parallels with the approach of the late Egyptian coach Mahmoud Al-Gohary, who was known for his ability to manage star players effectively.
Key points
- Tarek Mostafa leads Al-Faisaly to the top of the Jordanian league.
- Mostafa advocates for increased opportunities for Egyptian coaches in Arab leagues.
- The coach emphasizes the importance of treating star players like Mohamed Salah with respect and professionalism.
