Zamalek coach rejects "chaotic" label after draw with Ceramica Cleopatra

Zamalek SC/Facebook

Zamalek head coach Ayman El Ramady rejected describing his team as "chaotic," pointing out that the squad is suffering from many injuries and is going through difficult circumstances.

Zamalek drew 2-2 with Ceramica Cleopatra in the fifth round of the Championship Group stage of the Nile Egyptian League. The White Knights currently sit third in the Championship Group table with 41 points.

In the post-match press conference, El Ramady said:

"We have a fleet of injuries and I hope they return quickly. We started our mission only two days ago, and I am happy with the team and the players’ effort on the field, even though the draw was disappointing. But if I look at the work, we have a performance mechanism."

"Zamalek were better in ball progression, and the players performed positively. As for the negatives, they are my responsibility alone."

The coach added:

"I refuse to describe Zamalek’s performance as chaotic — it’s a harsh word. Maybe we didn’t create enough chances, and we are going through tough circumstances due to missing several players, while our opponent had a full squad — yet they didn’t create chances."

El Ramady also spoke about the impact of the weather conditions: "Playing in such weather is deadly, due to the high temperatures. Every coach has his own method. I know the capabilities of Ceramica Cleopatra’s players very well because I coached the team before, and they also understand how I think."

"Zamalek have distinguished and experienced players like Mahmoud Bentaieg, Abdallah El Said, Omar Gaber, Nasser Mansi, and Nasser Maher. They need a different mental and psychological state to appear better."

The coach continued: "I don’t care about provoking anyone. I have a good relationship with all Egyptian football fans, and with Zamalek’s fans."

About the team's goalkeeper situation, El Ramady elaborated: "Zamalek have great goalkeepers like Mohamed Awad and Mohamed Sobhi. When one plays, he is the most suitable. It is normal for people to ask why the other isn’t playing."

He concluded his statements by saying: "I am sad about the drop-off in the final part of the match. Unfortunately, it’s a mental and psychological issue, and the physical factor played an even bigger role. We will work to fix the negatives."