Zamalek's assistant coach Samy El-Shesheny slammed the intense schedule of the Egyptian Premier League, insisting it is a burden on clubs participating in the domestic competition. Since the season start in September, the Egyptian league matches almost take place every four days; a fact that puts more pressure on the coaches amid the sudden injuries and suspensions, according to El-Shesheny. "The intense schedule is torturing for the clubs. Ahly will be losing defender Saad Samir for the rest of the season after damaging his Achilles tendon, while many other players suffer different crucial injuries," El-Shesheny told Time Sports TV channel. "The schedule is intense to end the completion early, and you can't go on if you didn't prepare a large number of players for your match selections," he added. In Sunday's league win over Tanta, Zamalek coach Patrice Carteron made wholesale changes to his line-up, opting to rest a handful of key players before Friday's African Champions League game at home to Zambia's Zesco United. "The season is full of commitments like the league, Egypt Cup, Champions League and African Super Cup," explained El-Shesheny. "What happed against Tanta [deploying a second string team) was a big risk from Carteron, but we all stand behind him as some players needed rest and others wanted the opportunity to play," he concluded. Zamalek currently lie third at the league table with 21 points from 11 matches, nine points behind champions Ahly who played 10 matches so far. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
