The 64-year-old, the current coach of Saudi giants Ittihad Jeddah, is spending a vacation in Cairo in the midst of a disappointing run for Ahli.

He earned a cult status among Ahli fans, who call him 'the king', after steering the team to a host of local and continental titles during a glorious five-year reign.

"Jose has a great relationship with every one inside our club," Ahli board member Khaled Mortagi told FilGoal.com on Wednesday.

"His presence in Cairo allowed him to visit the club today."

The future of Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri, who was Jose's assistant before taking over at the club following his departure, is under scrutiny after the Red Devils made a disappointing start to their season.

They drew twice in their first three Egyptian Premier League games and won just once in four matches in the African Champions League group stage.

Reports suggested that Ahli were considering bringing in a foreign coach to replace Al-Badri, who is yet to win over his side's faithful despite leading the team to the league title in his first season in charge.

Jose, under whom Ittihad made a fine start to their Saudi league campaign, denied more than once that he could return to Ahli.

"The Portuguese coach is fully supporting Al-Badri and the players," Mortagi added.

Ahli will host Nigeria's Heartland in a vital Champions League clash at Cairo Stadium on Sunday.

The six-time African Champions lie second in Group B with five points, five behind leaders JS Kabylie who already booked their place in the semi final.

Heartland are third on four points, one ahead of Egyptian coastal side Ismaili.