"I know it will be crazy, with lots of people waiting for me. That's why I like them," he told Portuguese paper Record.

Jose took charge of the Egyptian champions for the third time on Saturday and he should start his new mission in the immediate future.

The Red Devils' faithful have always thought the world of the decorated tactician, whose previous tenures saw Ahli rejoice in a blaze of glory and record-breaking triumphs domestically and continently.

After he left Ittihad Jeddah last month, some of Ahli's ardent supporters called on Jose via text messages to return to six-time African champions.

"I'm not so sure where they came from but I know there were many (messages)," the 64-year-old said.

"I have a great relationship with this club and the supporters. It's almost like a debt of gratitude."

Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Shafi 'Zizo' was appointed as Ahli boss on a temporary basis late in November, shortly after his predecessor Hossam Al-Badri stepped down.

Al-Badri, who used to be Jose's assistant, resigned after he was largely blamed for the team's substandard displays on all fronts over the past few months.

It's widely believed that former Benfica boss Jose will be able to lead a turnaround in Ahli's fortunes.