Ismaily set for talks with Amir Azmy over head coach vacancy

Ismaily’s interim committee is due to meet Amir Azmy to discuss the possibility of appointing him as the club’s new head coach after the team suffered two defeats in the Professional League.

The two sides are expected to hold talks about Azmy taking charge, although Ismaily have not yet decided whether to accept or reject the resignation of current manager Ashraf Khodr.

Khodr submitted his resignation following a heated exchange with Ismaily supporters after the 2-1 defeat by WE in the second round of the Professional League.

Speaking to FilGoal.com, Khodr said: “I have already submitted my resignation. Some people come to matches for the sole purpose of insulting me, even though I have never had a problem with anyone throughout my life.”

He added: “The people who were present at today’s match against WE were paid by well-known pages, and there were some people I saw for the first time. They are not supporters of the club. These pages are the ones that caused the club to be relegated, and more than one page played a role in that.”

Khodr also said the confrontation had caused him to lose his temper.

“That is what made me react, and certainly, as a professional, that should not have happened, especially because I became emotional during the incident,” he said. “The real Ismaily supporters are above my head. I have never created a problem with them before, and they know that.”

The defeat by WE left Ismaily with no points from their opening two matches. WE’s goals were scored by Hossam Ahmed and Yasser Zahlaq, while Anwar Saqr scored Ismaily’s goal from the penalty spot.

Ismaily had begun their Professional League campaign with a 3-1 loss against Masar in the opening round.

The club’s interim committee is now considering whether a change in the dugout is required, with the proposed meeting with Azmy set to form part of that process. No final decision has been announced on Khodr’s position or on whether Azmy will be offered the job.

Azmy managed Abu Qir Fertilizers in the Professional League last season and helped the club secure promotion to the Premier League.

His potential appointment would therefore reunite him with a club looking for a response after a difficult start to the campaign. However, any move remains subject to discussions with Ismaily’s interim committee, while Khodr’s resignation has yet to be formally accepted.