This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.
Zamalek to decide on Mido's fate Monday Zamalek chairman Mortada Mansour hails board decision to keep Mido in his post despite some stuttering displays on the domestic and international levels
The Zamalek board will decide on Mido's fate on Monday after the rookie manager guided the team to the Egypt Cup title on his first season in charge, chairman Mortada Mansour said. In an interview with Abu Dhabi Sports TV channel, which owns the Egypt Cup's exclusive broadcasting rights, Mansour responded to critics who slammed the board after Zamalek lost the league to arch-rivals Ahly just a few weeks ago. The controversial chief attributed the cup triumph to the board's earlier decision to keep Mido at the helm despite some stuttering displays on both domestic and continental fronts. "To those who were criticizing the board for failing to win the league, I would like to say that our decision to keep Mido at the helm contributed to our triumph today," Mansour said. "After losing to Smouha in the league, Mido told me he wanted to step down, but I insisted that he should continue as Zamalek coach despite our poor results in the Champions League and the domestic league. "His future will be decided following a board meeting on Monday. We have a democratic system, through which every member voices his opinion and then I ignore all of them and make my own decision," Mansour quipped. Meanwhile, beleaguered manager Mido – who took over from Helmi Toulan early in the season – declined to comment after the game. The 31-year-old shed tears after his first title on his debut season. New era Assistant manager Mohamed Salah, who was appointed early this month, believes that the Egypt Cup victory would be the beginning of a new era for Zamalek after sealing nearly 13 signings this summer. "All Zamalek fans had the right to fear losing the cup following our unimpressive displays of late," Salah said. "It's now the beginning of new era for Zamalek, and today's victory would for sure ease the pressure on Mido. "It was so important to win today as we needed to compensate for the league title loss." Closing down midfield and flanks Coaching staff member Abdel-Halim Ali revealed the tactical reasons behind Zamalek's victory, indicating that the team's persistent pressing is what kept Smouha at bay. "Today, we focused on closing down Smouha's midfield and blocking their flanks," Former Zamalek striker Ali said. Zamalek, who finished third in the league, claimed their second Egypt Cup title in a row and their 23rd overall. (For more sports newsandupdates,followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/106654.aspx
