The three-time CAF Champions League winner has been without a club for over a year since leaving his last team in Iran. During this period, he has been focusing on developing young talent through his football schools. While away from the dugout, he continues to be linked with a number of teams looking to secure his services.
For a player who has not featured in competitive football for nearly five years, the road back is proving to be a steep one. Clubs appear hesitant to gamble on someone who has been out of the game for so long. Even teams in the lower tier appear reluctant to offer him a chance to revive his career.
The Egyptian giants have escalated their legal battle with their former head coach by filing an official appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The move comes after FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber ordered the club to pay the Spaniard a significant compensation package following his brief stint in Cairo.
The 61-year-old may have delivered a golden era of silverware at Al Ahly, but the South African tactician still has high-ranking detractors in Cairo. Despite a trophy cabinet bulging from his 21-month stint with the Red Devils, former Managing Director of Sport Mohsen Saleh has launched a scathing attack on the coach's credentials and his eventual departure from the Egyptian giants.
After a short and controversial stint and eventual exit, it seems all is not well between the Spaniard and the Egyptian giants. After what was initially thought to be an ambitious move, the 50-year-old coach only lasted three months. A poor run of games, coupled with pressure from fans and the club's legends, saw the African giants dismiss the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup winner.
Apart from the South African Premier Soccer League title-winning tactician, a Barcelona legend has also been linked with the vacant position at the Egyptian club.