ALEXANDRIA: Taha Basri has confirmed that he was sacked by Ittihad on Tuesday, rather than willing stepping down from his post as manager. Widespread reports suggested that the Ittihad board have asked Basri to quit after a series of poor results, but the former Zamalek star refused to step down. Basri, who only managed one point from three league games with Ittihad, learnt about his sacking from the papers. I knew I was sacked from the papers, I did not resign, Basri told FilGoal.com. Ittihad are obliged to pay four months of my salary if I am sacked. The chairman [Mohamed Moselhi] tried to convince me to resign, but I refused. Basri expressed his dismay with the club s decision to relieve him of his duties despite his efforts in Alexandria. I exerted a lot of efforts for the sake of Ittihad and we finished in a good position last season, he said. I also supported the chairman on several occasions and my reward was getting fired, that's football! Meanwhile, FilGoal.com has learnt that Ittihad are in talks with Helmi Toulan for the vacant job. The Alexandrians failed to lure Hossam Hassan and Anwar Salama, who resigned as ENPPI coach a few days ago.
