Zamalek coach apologizes to fans after Pyramids defeat

Zamalek head coach Ayman El Ramadi. Photo: Zamalek SC

Zamalek head coach Ayman El Ramadi said he was not happy with the result or the performance during his team's defeat to Pyramids in the Egyptian Nile League on Tuesday.

Zamalek lost 1-0 at home to Pyramids in Round 6 of the Championship Group.

“We need more work and to acquire better tactical ideas to be at a better level in the upcoming period,” said El Ramadi after the match.

“I apologize to the fans for the result of today’s match, and I thank the players for the effort they gave. We tried to work well during the short time between the Ceramica Cleopatra and Pyramids matches to prepare the team.

“I take full responsibility. Zamalek includes a distinguished group of players, and they must play with more tactical freedom and discipline to achieve good results,” added El Ramadi.

“There are things in football that need to be worked on and corrected, and I’m not required to explain them. I agree that many injuries have affected the team. I’m not obliged to talk about the past to the media. Time is not on our side, whether in terms of rehabilitating players or treating the injured. I ask everyone to focus on the present and not to discuss the past and its problems.

“The players have motivation because they are playing for a big club like Zamalek. They must show their best image. There must also be other motivational factors created by the coaching staff. I was waiting to get through the matches against Ceramica Cleopatra and Pyramids, given the limited time. There is work that will be done in the upcoming period,” stated the head coach.

El Ramadi continued: “It’s the fans’ right to criticize the performance of any player, but I strongly reject injustice toward any player. Mostafa Shalaby and Nabil Emad Dunga are working hard. A mistake by either of them is a mistake by Ayman El Ramadi. I reject radical opinions that aim to ‘finish’ a player. The coach’s role is to help the player tactically, and then he can be evaluated.”

The Egyptian coach concluded his remarks by saying: “I’ve prepared two scenarios for the upcoming league break. The first is to enter a closed training camp for five or six days. The second is to apply a full-day training system, because I want to work with the players for longer periods. The matter will be decided in agreement with the club management.”

Zamalek are currently third in the league with 41 points, trailing second-placed Pyramids by nine points, and leaders Al Ahly by 11 points, with only two rounds remaining in the competition.