Zamalek caretaker coach Mahmoud Saad will be in charge of the team in the Cairo derby game against arch-rivals Ahli on Saturday, a Zamalek official confirmed. The announcement comes to put an end to questions on whether new-manager Henri Michel will begin his spell with Zamalek before or after the Ahli game. Zamalek president Mamdouh Abbass left it up to Michel to decide whether he wants to lead the team on Saturday. The Frenchman said during his presentation to the press on Tuesday that he will decide on later in the day, but his decision was postponed until Wednesday. "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," Michel said. "But I would be able to decide tonight (Tuesday) on when exactly I will take full charge of the team." Zamalek team's new administrator, Ahmed Abdullah, told FilGoal.com that Michel's first game in charge of the team will be against Ghazl Mahalla on January 3rd. Michel met with the players during their training session on Wednesday and congratulated them on their victory over Harras Al-Hodoud.
Ibrahim Saied Meanwhile, Saad confirmed that want-away defender Ibrahim Saied will start against Ahli. The international player, who was indefinitely suspended by former coach Manuel Cajuda, has returned to training, the coach said. “Saied caused no disturbance, followed my instructions and showed a lot of heart in training,” Saad told FilGoal.com. Zamalek are suffering from a depleted back-line following the injury of Mahmoud Mahmoud and the suspension of Amr Al-Safti and Tamer Abdul-Wahab for Ahli's game. Saied will join Wael Al-Qabani and Yamen Ben Zekri in Zamalek's defense. Midfielders Mohamed Aboul-Ella and Gamal Hamza also recovered from their respective injuries and joined the squad. Saad also said that star striker Amr Zaki will be among the squad despite the rumble he caused after being substituted in the game against Al-Hodoud.
