Egypt: Zamalek criticised over coaching delay as Essam Marei backs Moataz Gamal

Former Zamalek player Essam Marei has criticised the club’s handling of its coaching situation, arguing that Moataz Gamal should have remained in charge and warning that delays in appointing a new manager could affect preparations for the upcoming season.

Speaking in televised comments with journalist Amir Hisham, Marei said the club had made a mistake by allowing Gamal to leave after what he described as a successful spell in difficult circumstances.

He also expressed concern over the postponement of the team’s pre-season programme, insisting that Zamalek risk falling behind if preparations do not begin immediately.

According to Marei, technical continuity would have been the best solution for the Egyptian champions following last season’s league success.

He argued that Gamal had succeeded in restoring order within the squad despite the challenges facing the club.

Marei praises Gamal’s impact at Zamalek

Marei said Gamal managed to overcome several obstacles during his time in charge, highlighting improvements in discipline and the team’s mentality.

He credited the coach with bringing control to the dressing room while rebuilding the fighting spirit of the players.

The former defender also believes Gamal was well placed to oversee a long-term sporting project at Zamalek, particularly at a time when the club continues to deal with financial difficulties.

In his view, maintaining stability on the technical bench would have been more beneficial than beginning another search for a new head coach.

Calls for greater trust in Egyptian coaches

Marei also questioned the tendency of Egypt’s biggest clubs to favour foreign coaches over domestic managers.

He argued that Egyptian coaches have repeatedly demonstrated their quality, pointing to the experiences of Hossam Hassan, Hossam El-Badry, Mohamed Youssef, Ali Maher and Ayman El-Ramady, who won the Egypt Cup, as well as the work of Emad El-Nahhas and Mohamed El-Sheikh.

According to Marei, these examples show that local coaches are capable of delivering success when given the opportunity.

He extended the same argument to Al Ahly, suggesting the Cairo club should have continued with Emad El-Nahhas during the FIFA Club World Cup instead of appointing Ribeiro shortly before the tournament.

Marei said the late managerial change affected the team’s performance and argued that El-Nahhas possessed both the personality and experience needed to manage the squad effectively.

Warning over delayed pre-season preparations

A major concern for Marei is the time already lost before the new campaign begins.

He stressed that professional teams generally require between six and eight weeks of preparation to ensure players are physically and tactically ready for competitive football.

With the league season approaching, he believes every additional delay will reduce the team’s readiness.

Marei urged the club to appoint its new coach within the next 48 hours so preparations can begin without further interruption.

He also held both the Zamalek board of directors and the club’s football company responsible for the current situation.

According to Marei, those who claim credit when the team succeeds must also accept responsibility when decisions create unnecessary problems.

League triumph described as an exceptional achievement

Reflecting on Zamalek’s league title last season, Marei described the success as an exceptional accomplishment.

He said the team earned the championship through hard work while taking advantage of inconsistent performances from rival clubs.

He also highlighted the importance of the support provided by Zamalek supporters throughout a campaign played under difficult circumstances.

Despite the club’s ongoing challenges, Marei believes Zamalek possesses the character needed to compete at the highest level.

He concluded by saying the club remains capable of challenging for the CAF Champions League because of its history and long-standing tradition of competing for major honours, even during difficult periods.