Zamalek coach: I got injured in the recent team camp

Photo: Zamalek SC

Zamalek head coach Ayman El-Ramady stressed that Saturday’s game against Petrojet in the Nile Egyptian League is very important for his side and will serve as good preparation for facing Pyramids in the Egypt Cup final.

Zamalek host Petrojet on Saturday in the eighth round of the title-deciding phase, a match that will also be the club’s last league fixture of the season.

In Friday’s pre-match press conference El-Ramadi said:

“The team is working well in preparation for tomorrow’s match, and many positives have been achieved recently. I hope the squad will be complete in light of the injuries Zamalek suffers, and I expect all players to return within about a week.”

He explained that the original plan for a four-day training camp was reduced:

“It had been planned to hold a camp for four days, but due to certain circumstances the camp was cut to two days in Ismailia and it was beneficial for the team. We must deal with developments; the team is taking good steps to appear in the best shape.

“The players are motivated, and without exaggeration, Zamalek supporters want to see their players in a garment of excellence, and the players are keen to please the fans—this is the greatest motivation. Another motivation is that Zamalek needs to finish the season with a trophy, and the players know the value of the club.”

Discussing the injury list, the coach insisted the medical staff is not at fault:

“The injuries the team suffers from are very difficult, and no one is responsible for them except the workload; the medical staff is not responsible. When I took over I discovered matters outside the medical department that have defects needing treatment—we are reaping the accumulations of a whole season.

“I respect all points of view, but we need to work more precisely with the players so they are not heavily exposed to injuries, and we clear the medical staff because they have faced heavy criticism recently. I do not like to throw blame on others; I am directly responsible for anything in the team. My role is to bear responsibility and protect the staffs who work.”

On the return timetable for injured players:

“The return of the injured to matches and training is everyone’s responsibility. I believe Mahmoud Gehad is close to returning, and Ahmed Al-Jefaly will have his situation evaluated in the coming period.”

Regarding veteran captain Mahmoud Shikabala, El-Ramadi said:

“I love the player of value on the pitch, especially the talented player with certain touches—he adds to me personally, and that is a good thing.”

The coach also revealed he suffered an injury himself during the camp:

“The curse of injuries struck me in the Ismailia camp—I sustained a sprain and a partial tear in the knee cartilage. I watched yesterday’s training from the pitch because of the injury. Things are better for me now, and after the cup I will undergo knee arthroscopy.”

He closed with a pledge of commitment:

“We will be soldiers for the benefit of the team; we strive for Zamalek’s sake, and we hope success accompanies us in the coming period so we choose the right path for the team to appear in the best state.”