Ismaili players pleaded with coach Mark Wotte to field a sweeper in the coming games, FilGoal.com has learnt. The Dervishes are enduring a poor run of form that saw them exit the African Champions League from the group stage. They lie sixth in the league table with 10 points after failing to win their last two games despite making a promising start to their domestic campaign. Wotte has been implementing a 4-4-2 formation since taking charge of the club in the summer but Ismaili players believe the new strategy is not benefiting the team. They sat down with Wotte before Wednesday's training session to voice their concerns over the Dutchman's preferred system, asking for a switch to the traditional 3-5-2 formation. The majority of Egyptian teams have opted to eject the sweeper position this season although its presence was essential for them during the past two decades. But Ismaili players told Wotte they needed more protection at the back through the introduction of a sweeper. Ismaili hinted recently that the 49-year-old coach could be shown the door if he failed to turn around the team's fortunes in the near future.
