Yokohama: Manuel Jose said the team he manages, Al-Ahly are now capable of playing at the highest levels after they clinched the bronze medal in the 2006 Fifa Club World Cup at the expense of Mexico s Club America on Sunday.
I m very delighted; I dedicate this win to all Ahly and Egyptian fans. We proved that with some discipline we can produce an honorable display, Jose told a post-match press conference.
I exerted lot of efforts with the players and told them they need to use their brain before kicking the ball and they followed my instructions.
I succeeded in transforming Ahly s performance to a European level, the Portuguese boss added.
A double salvo from Mohamed Aboutrika helped Ahly edge Mexico s Club America with a 2-1 victory to earn a place in the world s top three.
Jose said confidence was the key behind the precious win to erase the memories of the disappointing show last season where Ahly finished at the bottom of the six-team tournament.
The players realized that they are African champions for two successive years and lived up to the expectations.
They were tensed in the semi-final against Internacional but became much relaxed in Club America s encounter to win third place.
Responding to a question about his side s chances of returning to Japan next year, Jose said he is not sure about his future with the Cairo giants as his contract expires at the end of the season.
I can t guarantee my position with Ahly in the next Club World Cup, I will decide on my future in March, he said.
