Zamalek skipper Ayman Abdul-Aziz said he and his teammates are still maintaining their concentration ahead of the Cairo derby despite the club's off-pitch problems. The White Castle face arch-rivals Ahli in the Champions League group stage opener on Sunday amid mounting problems related to the club's board elections. Presidential candidates have been exchanging angry accusations while several brawls occurred close to the club's headquarters. Many Zamalek fans fear that the unfortunate incidents would disrupt their team's preparations for the crunch tie against Ahli. However, Abdul-Aziz, who has recently returned to Zamalek after ending an eight-year spell in Turkish football, played down their fears. "The players do not care about anything happening outside the pitch. We are fully concentrating on the African task against Ahli," he told FilGoal.com. "The players have nothing to do with the election process. We are normally conducting our training sessions." Footballing Problems Zamalek did also have footballing problems over the past few weeks. Assistant coach Mohamed Helmi resigned from his post after growing increasingly frustrated with his 'limited role' within the technical staff. Helmi did enjoy a much bigger role while working with former coach Ruud Krol. The arrival of German tactician Reiner Hollmann apparently limited his duties. He was replaced by former Zamalek player Tarek Yehia. "I don't have the right to comment on any changes in the technical staff. Hiring coaches is the board's responsibility; it is none of the players' business." Zamalek have finally signed Ismaili sweeper Hani Saied after an infamous transfer wrangle. Even that did not disturb Zamalek's players, Abdul-Aziz believes. "The board is also responsible for the team's new signings. The players have one duty – to accomplish their roles on the pitch."
