Youssef Obama says Juan Bezerra ‘played on Zamalek fans’ emotions’

Youssef Obama has accused former Zamalek player Juan Bezerra of appealing to supporters’ emotions during his departure from the club.

Bezerra moved to Shabab Al Ahli Dubai after pressure was placed on Zamalek’s board to allow him to leave. Obama, now with Pyramids, said the club’s interests must come before any individual player.

“The club is more important than anyone, and Bezerra played on the emotions of Zamalek fans,” Obama told On Sport. “When a player celebrates excessively with the supporters, you should be concerned about him. Footballers are street-smart and know where the cameras are in the stadium.”

Obama also compared the approaches of former Pyramids manager Krunoslav Jurcic and current coach Rulani Mokwena, describing them as “two different schools” because each manager has his own way of working.

“Mokwena likes a player who has technical ability, and that is the secret behind my performances with him,” he added.

The forward has played six matches for Pyramids this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists under Mokwena. He said he had also made a significant contribution during his time under Jurcic, despite not regularly starting.

“I played and scored, managing to get seven goals despite not being a regular starter,” said Obama. “After scoring, I was sometimes surprised to find myself on the bench for the next match.”

Obama revealed that he had spoken to Jurcic about his limited opportunities but felt the manager had not given him convincing reasons.

He also dismissed the suggestion that Jurcic’s animated touchline behaviour was necessary to motivate players in matches played without supporters.

“Some players have played in matches under greater pressure than the pressure Jurcic was trying to create to motivate the players,” Obama said.

Pyramids currently lead the Egyptian Premier League with 15 points from five matches. Al Ahly and Zamalek are each on 13 points, but Obama believes it is too early to predict the eventual champions.

“Only five rounds have been played, so we need patience and commitment until the end of the season to win the title,” he said.

Obama also expressed his support for Pyramids team-mate Ramadan Sobhi, who is serving a four-year suspension after the Swiss Federal Court rejected his appeal. The ban prevents Sobhi from taking part in any football-related activity until 2029.

“Ramadan is going through a test and must remain patient. I hope he returns in better shape,” Obama said.

Asked to name the most skilful players he had played alongside, Obama selected Ayman Hefny, Shikabala, Mostafa Fathi, Ahmed Eid Abdel Malek and Abdullah El Said. He chose Fiston Mayele as the best foreign player he had played with at Pyramids, while naming Seifeddine Jaziri and Kabongo Kassongo from his time at Zamalek.

“I chose them for reasons outside football,” he said. “Other players complained about the club, so I will not choose them as the best.”

Obama also said Ahmed El Shenawy, Ahmed Samy and Mahmoud Marei deserved Egypt selection. Four Pyramids players were included in Egypt’s squad: Mostafa Abdel Raouf Ziko, Mohanad Lasheen, Karim Hafez and Mahmoud Saber.

Egypt are preparing to face Angola and South Sudan in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on 25 and 29 September, before playing South Africa in a friendly on 4 October.