Pablo Franco confirms contact with Zamalek as coaching search continues

Spanish coach Pablo Franco has confirmed he held initial talks with Zamalek over becoming their new head coach, but says he does not know why negotiations did not progress.

Zamalek are yet to officially announce who will lead the team next season, despite winning the Egyptian Premier League title under interim boss Moatamed Gamal. The club’s coaching position remains unresolved as they weigh up options following their championship success.

Franco, who left Moroccan side Maghreb Fes after guiding them to the Botola Pro title last season, revealed that discussions had taken place through his representative.

Speaking to Egyptian television channel On Sport, the former Maghreb Fes manager said: “Zamalek talked with my agent, and negotiations started, but I don’t know how they ended, and I can’t talk a lot about this matter.”

The 44-year-old expressed his appreciation for the Cairo club’s interest and did not hide his enthusiasm for working in Egyptian football.

“I appreciate Zamalek’s desire to sign me, and it would be an honour for me to work as a coach in the Egyptian league,” he added.

Franco weighing up options

Franco, who has coached in several countries during his career, suggested that Zamalek were one of a number of possibilities on the table as he considers his next move.

Turning to the prospect of taking charge of the White Knights, he said: “Everyone knows Zamalek’s circumstances, and this is public information that my agent is aware of.”

He continued: “I have several projects proposed, and Zamalek was one of them, and my agent will decide my choice regarding whether to coach Zamalek or not.”

Franco departed Maghreb Fes at the end of the recently concluded season, having led the club to the Moroccan league title before his exit.

Razovic agreement yet to be made official

While Franco has confirmed contact, Zamalek’s internal media have previously indicated they had reached an understanding with another candidate.

Zamalek’s official television channel announced earlier that an agreement had been reached with Serbian coach Vuk Rasovic to become the club’s new manager. However, the club itself has not issued any formal confirmation of his appointment.

Rasovic has extensive experience in the Arab region. He has managed several clubs, most notably Al-Faisaly and Al-Fayha in Saudi Arabia, as well as Al-Dhafra, Al-Wahda and Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates.

FilGoal.com had earlier reported that Rasovic was among the leading contenders to take charge of Zamalek for the coming season.

With Franco acknowledging preliminary talks and Rasovic widely reported as the front-runner, Zamalek’s search for a permanent successor to Moatamed Gamal remains officially unresolved, despite growing speculation over who will be in the dugout when the new campaign begins.