Unexpected turn. Al-Ahly criticized Riveiro after defeat to Palmeiras

Al-Ahly failed to score a single goal at the Club World Cup and now clings to only the faintest hope of reaching the playoffs. The defining moment came with a 0-2 loss to Palmeiras, a result that triggered a wave of questions about head coach Jose Riveiro.

Details: Club board member Hossam Ghaly stated that the coach did not take into account the players' physical condition heading into the second half. However, he also acknowledged that the Spaniard did not have enough time to properly study the squad.

• See also: "I didn't leave because of my family," – Jose Riveiro comments on departure from Orlando Pirates

Quote: "Anyone who watched the first half could never have expected such an ending. Al-Ahly looked better and played with discipline for most of the opening period. The coach needed to have a clear plan for the second half, as the players' fitness was bound to drop and that had to be factored in.

The technical staff should have prepared alternatives to maintain the level of play or inject more energy and technique in the second half. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. I do give the coach some leeway, as he hasn't yet had the chance to fully study all the players. He had very little time, and some footballers only joined the team very recently, which makes it difficult to make the right decisions in such big matches," said Ghaly.