Zamalek coach Jesualdo Ferreira enjoyed a hero status when he guided the club to their first domestic double since 1988 but, in a bizarre twist, was on the verge of being sacked ahead of the new season following a Super Cup defeat by Cairo rivals Ahly. Outspoken chairman Mortada Mansour, who is known for his acid tongue, launched a scathing attack on the Portuguese boss following a 3-2 loss to Ahly in an exciting Cairo derby in the United Arab Emirates last week, describing him as a "failure". Mansour was angry that Ferreira has snubbed some of the summer arrivals, including central midfielder Ibrahim Abdel-Khalek and ex-Basel attacking midfielder Ahmed Hamoudi. He also heavily criticized Ferreira's decision not to field star playmaker Ayman Hefni in the starting line-up. The controversial lawyer, who spent big in two successive summer transfer windows to bolster an underachieving squad, said he would try to force Ferreira out by appointing two assistant coaches who would have the upper hand in squad selection. Zamalek fans took to the social media to support the former Porto boss, insisting they would not accept a rash decision to show him the door little less than a month after he led to the club to a 2-0 victory over Ahly in the Egypt Cup final, their first Cairo derby triumph since 2007. Mansour eventually gave Ferreira a reprieve as Zamalek face Wadi Degla in their Egyptian Premier League opener on Wednesday. "The board of directors had decided not to make any changes to the football team's technical staff until convening again following the Wadi Degla match," a club statement read, suggesting that any stumble in the league opener would not be tolerated. Local media said Ferreira, 69, was furious after being attacked by Mansour but said he appreciated the support shown by the fans and players alike. Zamalek have an embarrassment of riches in midfield, with new arrival Mahmoud Kahraba in particular wreaking havoc upfront with his pace and mesmerizing skills. Their rock-solid defence, which only leaked 21goals last season, remains intact but Zamalek are still unlikely to enjoy a smooth ride after bitter foes Ahly also strengthened their squad. Zamalek will miss right-back and skipper Hazem Emam against Wadi Degla after he was banned for two games for invading the pitch to take part in a confrontation with Ahly players during the Super Cup. Hamoudi was also left out of the squad because of injury. (For more sports news andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/161422.aspx
