Having reached the elite competition's final four successive times, winning three of them, Ahli were expected to flop sooner or later because their supremacy could not last forever.

Five years ago, the Red Devils signed several high-profile players who helped them win a host of domestic and continental trophies and it was quite an achievement for them to be consistent for that long period.

But simply their successful reign has come to an end because they became very lethargic as they grew older, allowing opposing players to outpace them far too easily.

High-spending Ahli should now focus on brining in quality and fresh players in the summer transfer window to regain the form that saw them play in a league of their own during the past few years.

But it would be a fatal mistake if the club decided to sack coach Manuel Jose, under whom Ahli enjoyed splendid success.

Yes he made notable errors throughout the season but who doesn't? One disappointing season out of five is a great record for the Portuguese tactician, a cult hero for Ahli fans.

He just needs to sit down with Ahli's football committee to set the record straight over the team's poor results.

Ahli need new players, not a new coach.