Zamalek coach Nebojsa Jovovic said on Tuesday he needs some time to lead the team to titles as they stutter in the early stages of the Egyptian Premier League. The Montenegrin has had little time to prepare Zamalek for the new season, having arrived less than two weeks before the league got underway. The White Knights are seeking to wrestle the coveted title from arch rivals Ahly, champions for the past two seasons, but the early signs are not encouraging for the 12-time Egyptian champions. Zamalek drew three times and lost once in their opening six league matches, slipping to sixth in the table with nine points. Jovovic was criticised by some Zamalek fans for not settling on a certain formation and strategy, with his overly bold approach backfiring badly in a stunning 3-0 defeat by Smouha on Friday. "What I need only is time, especially because we have a new group with 20 new players. Every (one) of them deserves chance, every one of them has qualities … we are now in the process of making a new team with a new spirit," Jovovic, speaking in English, said in an interview with DMC Sports channel. "Success must come … when you work hard and have quality and when you put inside positive energy." The 43-year-old took charge of Zamalek after making a fine impact at Jordan's Faisaly, steering them to the domestic double last season. Jovovic said he takes responsibility for any stumble but deflected criticism over his formation and strategy changes. "A coach must always take responsibility. When a team win, it's success for everyone but when a team lose coach must take responsibility. It's like that in this job," he added. "But I feel good energy and I will give everything in my power and knowledge to make Zamalek be so strong. It doesn't matter which formation we play, it doesn't matter who will be in the field; we must look like Zamalek: a top club with top players. We must look hungry to win any game; it's my vision of football." (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
