Al Ahly part ways with Swiss coach Marcel Koller

Egyptian giants Al Ahly have officially parted ways with head coach Marcel Koller after a disappointing end to their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League campaign.

The club confirmed the Swiss tactician’s departure on Saturday evening, following their semi-final exit at the hands of South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.

After a goalless draw in Pretoria, a 1-1 stalemate at Cairo International Stadium on Friday night sealed Al Ahly’s elimination on the away goals rule.

In a statement, Al Ahly said: "Negotiations are ongoing with Koller to terminate the contract by mutual consent between the two parties, in a manner befitting the club and its coach."

The record African champions added: "Al-Ahly confirms its pride in what Koller has achieved, as he gave everything he could along with his assistant staff, who also deserve thanks."

Koller’s exit comes just 50 days before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, a major competition Al Ahly had been targeting under his leadership.

Club sources also indicated that a temporary technical staff will be appointed to lead group training starting Sunday, while plans are in place to honour Koller with a special farewell ceremony.

Koller, who took charge of Al Ahly in September 2022, enjoyed a successful spell in terms of silverware, notably leading the Red Devils to back-to-back CAF Champions League titles in 2023 and 2024.

During his tenure, Al Ahly played 159 official matches, winning 108, drawing 33 and losing only 17.

However, the 2024-25 season has proven more challenging. Al Ahly lost the CAF Super Cup to arch-rivals Zamalek, were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Intercontinental Cup, and are currently trailing Pyramids FC in the Egyptian Premier League title race.

The decision to part ways follows mounting pressure from fans after a series of disappointing performances on the continental and domestic fronts.

Despite recent struggles, Al Ahly made it clear in their communication that they remain grateful for Koller’s contributions. The coach himself had earlier expressed pride in managing one of Africa’s most successful clubs.

Al Ahly now turn their attention to appointing a new permanent manager ahead of their Club World Cup campaign, with the temporary staff expected to steady the ship in the interim.

Koller leaves Cairo with his reputation intact, having added to the Red Devils’ illustrious history even if the final months did not match the highs of his earlier successes.