Reiner Hollmann believes he is no magician. He just wants to be given adequate time to turn around Zamalek's fortunes. Zamalek's two successive defeats to arch-rivals Ahli within one week have raised concerns over whether the team would be able to shrug off their continuous troubles. German tactician Hollmann, who took over at the club following the resignation of Ruud Krol, doesn't like early judgments. "I have been here for just four weeks. This period is not enough for preparations," he told Modern Sport. "I also had a very tough start with Zamalek. We didn't play friendly games against Ghazl Mahalla or Ismaili. "We instead played against Ahli just when we concluded our pre-season preparations. "I couldn't also use Zamalek's new signings in the Champions League encounter against Ahli because they weren't registered in the team's African squad. "I will try to lift Zamalek up step by step, just like what I did for Ahli in the 1990s." Hollmann enjoyed a highly successful tenure with the Red Devils, leading them to three successive Egyptian League titles between 1995 and 1998. "I need time to convey my tactics to the players. This will not happen in one day or one week," he insisted. Obstacles Hollmann is hoping Zamalek will be able to overcome the administrative problems that blighted the club over the past few months.
Hollmann supports Abbas A fierce battle for Zamalek's presidential seat between incumbent chairman Mamdouh Abbas and controversial lawyer Mortada Mansour has taken its toll on the club's stability. "Our club is not quiet from outside," the disappointed Hollmann admitted. "I heard the players talking about Zamalek's administrative problems during training. Their concentration was surely affected by the ongoing sagas." The Egyptian Higher Council for Sport (HSC) has recently re-appointed wealthy businessman Abbas as Zamalek chairman. Abbas is set to stay in the office for one year, after which the board elections will be held. "I'm pleased that Abbas will stay in charge of the club. He is a good man who always backs me." Fans Support The 58-year-old coach had a message for Zamalek fans. He called on them to be supportive rather than attacking their own players. "I was very unhappy that (defender) Mohamed Abdullah was insulted by his own fans for committing an error against Ahli." Angolan winger Gilberto dispossessed Abdullah before feeding his compatriot, Flavio Amado, to score Ahli's opener in their 2-1 Champions League victory over Zamalek. "I couldn't field Abdullah in the Super Cup against Ahli. It was psychologically impossible for him to play. "I just want Zamalek fans to support the players. I want to see 50,000 spectators in every match for us next season."
