Ex-Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro already under fire with question marks over him after 2025 Fifa Club World Cup opener - 'He must stand firm... Al Ahly spent millions on players'

Al Ahly opened their 2025 Fifa Club World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami on Sunday.

It was coach Jose Riveiro's first official game in charge of the record African champions.

While Al Ahly managed to frustrate an Inter Miami side with stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, the Cairo giants' former defender Rabie Yassin was not impressed by some of Riveiro's decisions.

"I was surprised by Riveiro’s decision to substitute Ahmed Zizo in the Inter Miami match,” Yassin said as per Soccer Laduma.

“The player gave a strong performance. What happened is an insult to a player of Zizo's stature. Zizo is not a small player, and everyone was talking about the Zizo deal. On the field, the player represents a strong addition to Al Ahly.

"The absence of Moroccan Achraf Bencharki from the match is a 'question mark,' as he is capable of scoring goals at any time. The first match had its ups and downs. We could have ended the match in the first half," added the former Egypt international.

"Riveiro must stand firm against any player who makes a mistake. Al Ahly’s experienced players were able to end the match early. Al Ahly spent millions on players, and it’s only natural that Al Ahly is scary because of the presence of senior players.”

Al Ahly legends are known for being vocal about the work of the club's coaches.

This is something Riveiro might have to get used to and be aware of some criticism, which might influence the club bosses' views of him.

The Spaniard's immediate predecessors, Pitso Mosimane and Marcel Koller, also endured stinging remarks coming from Al Ahly greats.

The former Orlando Pirates coach will be pushing for his first win in charge of Al Ahly when they face Palmeiras on Tuesday.

It is a match the Cairo giants would want to pick a set of maximum points and enhance their chances of reaching the knockouts.