Moataz Gamal, the head coach of Zamalek's first football team, made sure to thank the players for their efforts during today's Friday match against Al Ittihad Alexandria in the league competition, and also expressed gratitude to the fans who supported the team.
Zamalek drew goalless with Al Ittihad Alexandria in the match held between them at Cairo International Stadium in the first round of the Premier League competition, with each team earning one point.
Statements by Moataz Gamal after the Zamalek vs. Al Ittihad match
The Zamalek club's head coach said during the post-match press conference: "I have never complained before; we are working against logic. Matches like this present a very difficult equation because we are required both to win and to prepare the players."
He added: "The journey ahead of us is still long. We work throughout the day to prepare all the team's players, and we were hoping to conclude the match in the first half."
He continued: "There are many positives we will build upon in the coming period, as well as negatives we will work to avoid in the future. The changes made by the technical staff were intended to protect the players from injuries."
He further stated: "The squad we have is among the best players in Egypt. The players quickly grasped the playing style, so it is natural that there would be some shortcomings, and I make excuses for the players."
Moataz Gamal noted during his remarks: "I followed a policy of rotating players during the match out of fear they might get injured."
He elaborated: "Zamalek was the last team to begin preparations for the league competition; we have been working for only 20 days. Moreover, Zamalek has not strengthened its ranks due to the transfer ban, though I am not making excuses."
The Zamalek coach emphasized: "The players know what is required of them until the next break, so we can reach the desired level. This remains a very difficult equation."
He concluded: "Abdullah El-Said is a great player and will be an addition to the team once he is ready to participate. I considered bringing on Mohamed Farag because Omar Gaber felt fatigued in the final minutes."
