Ismaili coach Nebojsa Vuckovic defied on Friday criticism of the 4-4-2 formation he deployed in the Egyptian Premier League opener against Mansoura. Last year's runners-up Ismaili were far from convincing against Mansoura as they needed a second-half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against the league newcomers and spare their blushes. Their full-backs committed numerous errors as Mansoura easily broke down the Dervishes' defense. Several pundits said Vuckovic, who failed to enjoy a winning debut, should switch to the traditional 3-5-2 formation. But the Serbian does not agree. "I'm sure that the 4-4-2 formation will work out," the 60-year-old, who took over at the club following the departure of Brazilian tactician Ricardo, told reporters. "I successfully deployed that strategy with several teams before. "Ismaili are better than all the teams I previously managed, so why shouldn't they improve under the new system." Vuckovic follows in the footsteps of Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri, who unlike his predecessor Manuel Jose chose to employ the 4-4-2 formation, which is unfamiliar to Egyptian football. Arab Contractors also played that way in their 1-1 draw with Gaish in the league opener.
