Zamalek assistant coach Moatamed Gamal said that he is unfazed despite the team's defeat in the league opener. Zamalek lost to Ismaili 1-0 at home, squandering the chance to top the table after champions Ahli were held to a 2-2 draw by Masri at Port Said. "We are not worried because we have good players, who still need some time to adapt," Gamal told the post-match press conference. "We had an average game and the result was the worst thing about it." Gamal, who was in charge of the game, pulled out electric playmaker Mahmoud Abdul-Razek 'Shikabala' and fielding Hazem Rmam just minutes before the game's only goal. Surprisingly, Emam was booed by his own fans, whom Gamal believes should be more patient with veteran players.
Basri prevailed on his debut "We introduced Emam for Shikabala because we feared that the latter could get a second booking," he added. "I think the supporters put a lot of pressure on veteran players, especially Emam, obviously the fans attitude negatively influenced his performance." On the other hand, Ismaili coach Taha Basri was glad that his counter attack strategy worked perfectly for the Dervishes. "I focused on organizing the defense because I am confident that my players are automatically capable of creating danger up front," Basri said. The former Zamalek star hopes that his side could maintain the winning start if the team can raise the level of physical fitness. "Ismaili's pre-season program was not well planned, so I think the team needs more progress physically, if we did so we will be to able to keep our good form," he said. Basri took charge of Ismaili just one week before the kick off of the Egyptian league, following the sudden sacking of French coach Patrice Neveu.
