A senior Zamalek official has revealed that Ahmed Abdel Raouf’s resignation as head coach did not come as a shock to the club’s board.
The source told Kooora that the coach’s comments after the Egypt Cup defeat to Baladeyet El Mahalla in the round of 32 had already hinted he was close to walking away.
The official noted that Abdel Raouf’s words in that press conference carried “a tone of despair and sharpness,” reflecting how strained the relationship had become amid unstable conditions around the team. He added that the huge pressures surrounding the club in a sensitive transitional phase exceeded what the technical staff could realistically handle.
The source added that, the resignation was effectively the natural outcome of a difficult reality marked by limited resources and growing criticism from fans and media alike. As for the next coach, the board is strongly leaning towards appointing a local manager.
Bringing in a foreign coach is ruled out for now because of Zamalek’s severe financial crisis and the inability to commit to large salaries in foreign currency.
The club is expected to finalise an agreement with an Egyptian coach soon, with an announcement to follow once contract details are settled.
