Scottish manager Alex McLeish said he hoped Zamalek would have the same passion as that of outspoken chairman Mortada Mansour after being unveiled as the Cairo giants' new boss on Saturday. The 57-year-old succeeded the sacked Mido on Friday to become the third coach to guide Zamalek at almost the halfway stage of the season, with the eccentric Mansour blamed by what many consider his impulsiveness. Controversial lawyer Mansour, an Egyptian parliament member who regularly launches foul- mouthed tirades against his critics and opponents, delivered a lengthy speech before introducing McLeish during a news conference at the club's Cairo headquarters. He dedicated his speech to attacking his critics, including former boss Mido, whom he called “a drunken man” after the former Tottenham Hotspur striker said Mansour had “lacked respectfulness” following a 2-0 Cairo derby defeat by arch rivals Ahly earlier this month. “I would like to say that after listening to the president, I don't understand a lot but his passion for his football club was obvious,” said McLeish, who led Rangers to two Scottish league titles and also managed Aston Villa and Birmingham City in the English Premier League. “If I and the coaches [assistants] can make the players as passionate as the president, then I think we will have a big chance of being successful.” Mansour poked fun at widespread accusations that he interferes in the job of Zamalek coaches by ordering them to make certain changes to the starting line-ups. Pointing to McLeish, he said: “Look at how strong and healthy he is, do you think I can interfere in the job of such a man. I just hope he can last for a month in his new job.” McLeish will be tasked with keeping the league in Zamalek's grasp after they ended Ahly's eight-season hegemony last season, having blossomed following a number of marquee signings over two summer transfer windows. Zamalek fell seven points behind Ahly following their derby defeat but, under caretaker manager Mohamed Salah, they quickly bridged the gap to three points after their cross-town rivals were held to three successive draws. “I've come to a very big club, not only in Africa but in the Middle East. They are used to being successful,” McLeish added. “Technically, I believe the Egyptian players have great technique. Maybe the mentality and understanding of the tactical side of the game is something that I can help the team to go even further and have the success that everybody at the club wants.” Mansour said McLeish will earn a monthly salary of $45,000. http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/188625.aspx
