CAIRO: Ahly skipper Shadi Mohamed said that he was surprised with his exclusion from the team facing Ghazl Mahalla on Thursday.
It will be the first time in a while where the defender misses an Ahly game despite not being injured or suspended.
Manuel Jose s decision comes after Ahly’s defense was heavily criticized for poor showing over the last two league games, where the Red Devils let in four goals and managed one point out of possible six.
However, Shadi confirmed that he is just a team player and has to accept coach Jose s decisions.
I was really surprised that I wasn’t named for the game. I don’t have any explanation for it, Shadi told Nile Sports TV.
But I m a professional player. I m not happy to be excluded but my reaction will be through improving myself and regaining my place back.
The 31-year-old stressed that missing one game will not affect his status as one of the club s most reliable players.
Mohamed Abou-Trika didn’t feature in some games despite being the squad s best player. It never affected his stardom, added Shadi.
After the loss to Police Union and the 3-3 draw against ENPPI, six-placed Ahly will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they take on Mahalla.
