By: Ahmad Saied French manager Henri Michel said on Tuesday he is excited about his new job as Zamalek manager, stressing that with work and dedication the team can get back of the winning track. "I have been excited since talks started with Zamalek started because they have an ambitious project which I want to be a part of," Michel told a press conference in the club headquarters. "I haven't visited Cairo since losing the African Cup of Nations final match with Ivory Coast almost a year ago. "But I enjoy very good relationships with the Egyptians and I have been always interested in working here." Michel was named Zamalek's new boss earlier on Tuesday, succeeding Portugal's Manuel Cajuda who has been fired due to poor results.
Michel with the club's board of directors He signed a six-month contract for a monthly salary of $28.000. A one-year extension is optional in the end of the period should both parties agree. Veteran coach Mahmoud Saad will be Michel's first aide, with Moatamed Gamal as assistant coach and Ayman Taher as goalkeeping coach. The 59-year-old, who will attend Zamalek's game against Harras Al-Hodoud in the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday, said he hasn't decided yet either he will take charge of the team during the Cairo derby on Saturday or following it. "The most important fixture in the Egyptian League is just four days away and I don't really know whether I should take over now or that wouldn't be in the best interest of the team," he said. "But I would be able to decide tonight on when exactly I will take full charge of the team." Asked by FilGoal.com whether working with clubs is as easy as coaching national teams where he has more freedom in choosing his squad, Michel said that he is aware of the difference between both jobs. "Apart from training national teams, I have coached Paris Saint Germain, Paok, Nassr of Saudi Arabia and Moroccan giants Raja whom I won the African Champions League with," he said.
