Jose’s winter return to Ahli only saw him lead the team in just one game as the league was postponed following the 18-day revolution, which ended president Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year reign.

The 64-year-old Portuguese eventually returned from his homeland last weekend to lead the Reds’ training again, but seems to have noticed a change in the Egyptian’s morale.

“I can really feel how Egyptians have become happier with more freedom and democracy,” Jose told Ahli’s website.

“I won’t prevent my players from donating blood because this is a humanitarian campaign that shows how Egyptian people are close to each other.

“I am actually sad not to be able to contribute with my blood because of my age.”

Meanwhile, Algerian forward Amir Sayoud has returned from home this week and is expected to join his teammates in training on Thursday.