Esperance head coach Nabil Maaloul has resigned from his position, barely 24 hours after they were beaten 3-0 by Al Ahly in the first leg of their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League semi-final in Rades.
The tactician said he made the decision ‘in the best interest of the club’, with their hopes of a continental title now hanging in the balance following the heavy home defeat to the record African champions.
“I decided to submit my resignation to the club president with the best interest of the team at heart,” the tactician said in his resignation statement.
“I understand the sadness and disappointment of Esperance supporters after this loss and I apologize to all of them for not being able to bring joy to their hearts. In the recent period, the task has not been easy for my technical staff and I and the players as well. I tried everything in my power to find solutions,” the tactician noted.
Esperance need a win of more than four goals next weekend in Cairo to overturn the first leg deficit and qualify for the final.
But, the team finds itself in a new conundrum, with the resignation of their head coach.
The coach has however made a plea to the fans to stand by the team for the rest of the season, as they seek a best possible ending to the campaign.