Zamalek's persistent off-field problems are getting on the nerves of football director Ibrahim Hassan, who said he was still determined to overcome them. The Cairo giants, known for their constant administrative instability, breathed a sigh of relief after an interim board of directors, led by club icon Galal Ibrahim, took over at the club last month. But Ibrahim and his men are facing an uphill to resolve the problems of several Zamalek players. The likes of central defender Mahmoud Fathallah, Iraqi striker Emad Mohamed and Qatari attacking midfielder Hussein Yasser are facing uncertain futures at the club for various reasons. Ibrahim Hassan, the twin brother of coach Hossam, is burdened with the heavy task of putting an end to the ongoing sagas which threaten to derail Zamalek's fine Egyptian Premier League run. "I'm tired, I'm sick of what happens inside the club," the former Egypt right-back, who was part of the Pharaohs' squad for the 1990 World Cup, said in a television interview on Friday. "I can leave the club but I'm determined to stay and solve all those problems for the sake of Zamalek fans, who always support me and my brother." Fathallah's contract runs out at the end of the season amid widespread reports linking him with a shock move to Zamalek's arch-rivals Ahli.
Fathallah's future unclear Ahli made no secret of their desire to sign Fathallah 'if he was available' and the Egypt defender is apparently reluctant to pen a new deal with Zamalek. "Every time I sit down with Fathallah he asks for more time to make a decision," Hassan added. "We did everything we can to keep hold of him, we offered more than EGP 3 million per season to prolong his contract. "He has every right to choose what best suits him but he should not dodge Zamalek fans." Emad Mohamed joined Zamalek in the close season but made few substitute appearances. Reports said he sought to depart the White Knights and join Iranian side Esteghlal. He later said he could not adapt to life in Egypt. "Emad doesn't turn up for training, saying that he can't live in Cairo but I see him sitting in a café on a daily basis," Hassan angrily said. "We tried by all means to convince him to return to training until he receives an official offer from another club, but to no avail."
