René Weiler: My Decision to Leave Al Ahly Was Right

Former Al Ahly boss René Weiler has opened up on the reasons behind his unexpected departure from the Red Castle last year.

Weiler had unexpectedly left the red team before the end of last season despite a successful career with the Red Devils.

Al Ahly former head coach managed to guide the Red Devils to two trophies after winning both the Egypt Super Cup and the Egyptian Premier League.

The Swiss had previously revealed that he left Al Ahly because he was affected by the COVID-19 outbreak last year.

He has now opened up on his time at Al Ahly saying he made the right decision to leave the club after about a year in charge.

“We were very successful, but I was bothered by the global coronavirus crisis and the lack of time spent with my family,” Weiler told Blick.

“We didn’t see each other for months. On October 1st last year, I had a release clause, where I had to leave or stay another year,"

“When I saw how everything has developed, my early departure was the right decision. I missed my family,” he added.

The 47-year old Swiss also talked about Egyptian football, saying: “Very emotional and very athletic. It is the number one national sport,"

“Before the coronavirus pandemic and before there were deaths in riots, we had 80,000 in the stadium every time. This was subsequently limited to a maximum of 40,000.”

Weiler then revealed that he was in contact with Swiss compatriot and ex-Zamalek head coach Christian Gross.

“Yes, we had exchanged,” Weiler continued. “He [Gross] knew the country and the league and said it was exciting, enthusiastic and also professional.”

Since Weiler’s departure, Al Ahly won the CAF Champions League and the Egyptian Cup under South African new coach Pitso Mosimane.