Zamalek coach rejects talks of complacency against Pyramids
- Hossam Ahmed
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Zamalek head coach Ayman El-Ramady stated that the team is approaching a series of extremely important matches starting with the game against Pyramids on Tuesday in the Nile Egyptian League. The Pyramids match will be followed by encounters against Petrojet and Pharco before a very important match — the Egypt Cup final against Pyramids.
The head coach added during the press conference held on Monday, ahead of the upcoming match against Pyramids in the league:
"Every league match is an important and influential station in the team’s journey. I don’t want to talk about the element of time, and I have great confidence in the team. There will be a change in the footballing concepts, and I hope we can make Zamalek appear in its true and good image."
"There is no way forward except through hard work, and taking advantage of every minute and every second to reach a better performance zone. I believe Zamalek needs to gain more self-confidence, because the team includes great players, and they play for a very big club — and they are well aware of that. We do not want time to beat us; we are in a challenge with time.”
Regarding the return of some injured players, El-Ramady said:
“Every player who returns has his value, and that makes me very happy. The normal situation is to have the full squad available, and what’s strange is the presence of injured players outside the team. We need the efforts of every player during this period.”
“Nasser Maher still needs some time before returning to training, while Mohamed Sobhy has already participated in training. As for Ahmed El-Ghafaly, he still needs a little time.”
El-Ramady continued:
“I reject the rumors being circulated about Zamalek not playing tomorrow’s match seriously because of being far from the league title race. We are a big team and we play every match to win. Zamalek is a prestigious club and we are looking forward to delivering an outstanding performance. Those spreading such talk clearly do not know the traditions of big clubs.”
“Zamalek has a great and proud history that everyone takes pride in. Where are the sports ethics? I don’t like the circulation of this kind of talk. Anyone who respects their club would never accept to be a tool to help another team. Our goal is Zamalek’s interest. We are a very strong club. We will not play at 300% to benefit another club, nor will we play at 50% to serve another club. We are Zamalek Club — we have firm principles. Can a coach ask his players to slack off in any match and still earn their respect?”
On the return of fans, the coach said:
“I’m happy that the fans — the first supporters of the football team — will be present at tomorrow’s game. The constant and undeniable truth is that Zamalek fans do not choose a time to support their team. They stand with the team in all circumstances. What saddened the players most recently was their inability to satisfy their fans. I hope we can convince the fans in the coming period. We must overcome the time factor and meet the fans’ expectations."
"Zamalek fans are great fans. They are among the most loving supporters in the world, who do not choose moments to support the team. Even at the lowest points, you’ll find Zamalek fans supportive — and this is a fact everyone knows, regardless of their affiliation. I hope we are granted success and can present the beautiful image of the team that fans are used to seeing.”
El-Ramady concluded:
“We have set a program for the upcoming break after the Pyramids match. I have an idea to apply a full-day system for players inside the club on some days. We’re studying how to implement this, or instead go for a short closed camp lasting five days. This is a golden period and we must take advantage of it — it’s our breathing space to apply ideas that help the team.”
Zamalek will face Pyramids tomorrow, Tuesday, in Matchday 6 of the title phase of the Nile Egyptian League. They currently sit third in the table with 41 points, behind Pyramids in second with 47 points and Al Ahly in first place with 49 points.
