Zamalek boss Jose Peseiro has shut down claims suggesting tension between him and star winger Ahmed Mostafa Zizo.
Speaking to the club’s official site, Peseiro firmly denied being upset about Zizo’s recent absence from training. He clarified that he had asked club management to resolve the player’s situation a week before their Confederation Cup clash against Stellenbosch.
The coach explained that Zizo had been affected by his ongoing contract renewal talks, which in turn impacted his performance levels. Peseiro urged the club to step in and settle the matter quickly to allow the player to refocus.
To sharpen preparations for key games ahead, Peseiro revealed he chose to split the squad into two training groups. The move, he said, was meant to concentrate more on the core players.
With crucial Premier League ties and the Egyptian Cup final against Pyramids on the horizon, the Portuguese tactician stressed he remains hands-on in training alongside his support staff.
Zamalek will next take on Al-Masry on May 1 at the Army Stadium in Borg Al Arab.