Miloud Hamdi surprisingly: “Zamalek are the favorites to win the Egyptian League this season”

Ismaily head coach Miloud Hamdi believes Zamalek are the leading contenders to win the Nile Egyptian League this season, while stressing that Ismaily can return to their former glory after their financial problems are solved.

Speaking to ON Sport 1, Hamdi said:

“I don’t think Ismaily need a long time to get back to where they used to be. The club is struggling financially at the moment, but if this issue is resolved, Ismaily can return to their best within one year. Clubs like Al Ahly and Pyramids have the financial power, and if Ismaily had the same resources, we would compete at the same level.”

The Algerian coach mentioned Al Ahly after their Egyptian Super Cup triumph over Zamalek, explaining that small details made the difference:

“Al Ahly deserved to win the Super Cup. Some minor details decided the game. Al Ahly did everything to secure the victory, while Zamalek could have performed better. Overall, the match didn’t reflect the true potential of both teams.”

Hamdi also spoke about Zamalek’s Palestinian forward Oday Dabbagh, whom he previously coached in Kuwait:

“I know Oday Dabbagh very well. He’s a talented player with huge potential that hasn’t yet been fully shown at Zamalek. When a club is going through a crisis, it naturally affects the players. If Zamalek’s situation improves, Dabbagh’s performance will improve too.”

He continued:

“For me, Oday Dabbagh and Juan Bezerra have been Zamalek’s best players this season.”

Finally, Hamdi concluded:

“I see Zamalek as the favorites to win the Egyptian League this season. And if I had the chance to sign a player from Al Ahly, it would be Ahmed ‘Zizo’ El Sayed.”

Nile Egyptian League standings:

• Ceramica Cleopatra lead the table with 26 points, followed by Al Ahly with 23, and Zamalek in third on 22 points.

• Ismaily, who have been facing financial and performance struggles over the past two seasons, currently sit 18th with 10 points.

Hamdi took charge of Ismaily before the start of the current Nile Egyptian League campaign.

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