Zamalek’s habit of turning inward at critical moments has resurfaced once again, and this time it comes wrapped in a familiar name.
The club’s decision to appoint Moatamed Gamal as interim head coach has reopened old wounds among supporters, reviving memories of short-term fixes, delayed planning and a cycle that appears increasingly difficult to break.
The announcement, made official days after Ahmed Abdel Raouf’s departure, framed Gamal’s return as a temporary measure until a foreign coach is hired.
On paper, the move sounds pragmatic. In reality, it has ignited widespread debate, largely because Zamalek have travelled this road before, and not so long ago.
Abdel Raouf himself was initially presented as a stopgap, only for that “temporary” arrangement to stretch on while valuable time slipped away.
Gamal’s first stint, back in November 2023, offers a mixed reference point. Thrown into the role ahead of a high-stakes Egypt Cup semi-final against Pyramids, he guided the team through on penalties, a result that strengthened calls for continuity.
His overall record across seven matches was respectable, five wins, one draw and one defeat, alongside victory in a friendly tournament in Dubai. Yet a deeper look reveals that much of that success came against modest opposition in the Confederation Cup, with only one league win truly standing out.
Crucially, Zamalek’s trajectory changed once the club opted for a clear direction. The appointment of José Gomes, a foreign coach with authority and structure, brought immediate improvement in both performance and results.
Two major titles followed, the Confederation Cup and the African Super Cup, reinforcing the argument that decisive planning, not interim solutions, delivers stability at Zamalek.
That context explains the unease surrounding Gamal’s return. His recent coaching record offers little reassurance, with short and unsuccessful spells at El Entag El Harby and Arab Contractors raising legitimate questions about his readiness for a club operating under constant pressure.
Compounding matters is the make-up of the current technical staff, hastily assembled and lacking cohesion, with even the assistant coach unavailable due to suspension.
The biggest concern, however, lies in timing. Zamalek are approaching a demanding phase of the season, with the league, the Confederation Cup and the Egypt Cup all finely poised.
If the “temporary” period drags on, the club risks entering decisive stages without a clear long-term vision. And if a foreign coach arrives late, he will inherit a team mid-stream, with little room to shape or steady it.
