Masri needed only six weeks under Hossam Hassan in his first coaching experience to turn from a relegation-fighting side to another placed in the middle of the table and putting on interesting displays. Hassan steered Masri to collect 16 points in the first eight games, winning four and drawing as many. His first defeat was against Ismaili after the Port Saied club has already guaranteed a place in the top flight next season. With no coaching experience or study, the appointment of Hassan was seen risky and Masri chairman Sayed Metwalli was labeled a 'gambler' for picking Hassan for the job. But the club's survival has silenced the critics and proved the doubters wrong, analysts say. "Hassan's achievement has gone beyond imagination," said veteran sports journalist Badreddin Hassan. "He avoided defeat in eight successive games with the same players, who used to lose a lot under previous managers," added the Port Saied-based reporter. Sluggish Start Hassan, who was playing with Ittihad Alexandria till January this year, is the third coach to take over at Masri this season. Poor results forced club chairman Sayed Metwalli to axe Egyptian manager Helmi Toulan followed by his Portuguese successor Juan Alves. Both managers combined to give Masri just three wins in 18 games and shared 10 defeats between them. Joining in March meant that Hassan almost had no chance to shake up a team, which was placed third from bottom.
Though, he inspired his players to bring out the best of their football. "Hassan's secret was pumping enthusiasm and confidence in those players," Badreddin explains. Masri players looked sharp against Mahalla at home in the second match under Hassan, winning 3-1 and giving the former Egypt captain his first victory. They also downed Zamalek 2-1 in Cairo before edging past Petrojet with the same result to enter the comfort zone. Tactical Excellence Apart from Hassan's character and inspiring presence as one of Egypt's most successful players through history, he also has special tactical abilities, analysts say. "Morale support can't do the job alone," said Mohamed Saif, a prominent sports columnist in Egypt's leading newspaper Al-Ahram. Saif, praising Masri's performance against Zamalek, said Hassan outclassed his opposite number Ruud Krol, despite the huge experience of the Dutchman. "Masri play classy football," he said. "They defend well and hit on the break as well as setting the rhythm of the play. "This means there's a talented and smart coach, who did his homework before the match." Hassan has played at the top level for giants Ahli and Zamalek. He also had spells with Masri, Tersana and Ittihad. The former striker has also won the African Cup of Nations three times with the Egyptian national team.
