Zamalek sends Hazem Imam to youth development after technical tensions

Zamalek’s board has reassigned Hazem Imam, the club’s former youth coach, back to his original position in the youth sector following a brief stint with the senior team’s technical staff under Belgian manager Yannick Ferreira.

Imam formally apologized for stepping down from his role with the first team, stating that he couldn’t find “a clear role” given the approach adopted by the foreign technical team. Sources within the club revealed that Imam suffered from a frozen role since joining the assistant coaching staff, feeling increasingly sidelined over a month-long period where he rarely attended training sessions regularly.

The primary issue stems from Ferreira’s preference for relying entirely on his foreign coaching staff while dismissing suggestions from Egyptian coaches, including Imam. When Imam attempted offering technical perspectives about suitable players for the starting lineup or tactical adjustments based on his deep knowledge of Egyptian football, Ferreira disregarded these recommendations.

Rather than escalating tensions, Zamalek’s board opted for a practical solution by utilizing Imam’s expertise where it’s most valued. His return to youth development aims to continue producing talented players for the senior squad while maintaining harmony within the technical structure.