Tension Erupts Between Marcel Koller and Translator Over Winter Transfer Questions


At the post-match news conference after Al Ahly's 1-2 CAF Champions League loss to Orlando Pirates, Swiss coach Marcel Koller and his translator, Reda Hanafi, unexpectedly clashed. A query concerning possible new additions to the club during the winter transfer window sparked the heated conversation.
The translator paused when Koller simply replied, "No," which made Koller doubt his ability to convey the remark. According to reports, Hanafi declined to interpret the coach's statements because he was worried about creating a commotion if he did so in public. When Hanafi said that it would not be diplomatic to respond to Koller's question about whether he wanted him to handle the translation directly, the tension increased.
Despite the talk, Koller concluded by saying, "As you wish," which fueled the incident's criticism. Fans and the media questioned the coach's position on the club's transfer intentions because the club had not provided an official explanation.
Al Ahly, which still has not made any signings this winter, secured second place in their Champions League group but is facing growing pressure regarding their transfer strategy.













