Ahly's under-fire coach Martin Jol apologised to the team's fans for the latest setbacks that included a defeat by bitter rivals Zamalek in the Egypt Cup final and said he bore full responsibility for the slump in form.

Widespread reports suggest that Jol would be shown the door in the next few days after Ahly also virtually lost hopes of qualifying for the African Champions League semis following a disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Zambia's ZESCO United on Friday.

Jol, who took charge of Ahly last February and helped them to their ninth Egyptian Premier League title in 10 seasons, said he would be willing to depart if this is in the "best interests of the club".

"First of all, I would like to apologise for the Egypt Cup final defeat and also because our African hopes have faded. I want you to know that my pain is the same as yours because I've been an Ahly fan from the first day I arrived, just like you," the Dutchman said in a lengthy statement on his official Facebook page, which was published in Arabic.

 "I've been impressed with the fan base of Ahly and that was the main factor for me accepting the club's offer … Things went very well at the beginning, we won the league and reached the Champions League quarters after a two-year absence.

"This is not the suitable time to speak about technical aspects but losing our firepower, playing every three days, having no time to rest for more than four years, playing on different pitches and the injuries which hit out players clearly had an impact and led us to where we are now."

No creativity, no efficiency

Teenager Ramadan Sobhi and Gabonese striker Malick Evouna were instrumental in guiding Ahly to the league title but both left in the close season, with winger Sobhi joining English Premier League side Stoke City and Evouna moving to China's Tianjin Teda.

Ahly have struggled for creativity and efficiency in their absence and their defensive frailties were also evident when Zamalek hit them on the break three times to claim a 3-1 win and prevent them from completing a domestic double last week.

Jol was fiercely attacked by the supporters on social media following the draw against ZESCO, which left Ahly needing an unlikely combination of results to advance, and he was videoed engaging in a heated exchange with an angry fan after the match, which took place in Suez.

"I'm not looking for any excuses because I bear full responsibility and because those are the same fans who welcomed me in a way I've not seen in any of the clubs I had worked for," the former Tottenham Hotspur boss said.

Reports linked Ahly with a host of managers, including former hero Manuel Jose of Portugal and another ex-coach in Hossam El-Badri.

"I'm aware of the high ambitions of Ahly fans, who accept nothing but triumphs. I will always work for the interests of the club even if this means that I should leave," Jol added.

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