Talismanic playmaker Mohamed Abou-Treika has been an Egypt and Ahli cult figure for quite some time, but will his severe dip in form this term force a drastic change to his status in the near future? The 32-year-old was instrumental in helping the Red Devils claim a good number of domestic and African titles over the past six years. He also played a major role in the Pharaohs' three consecutive triumphant Nations Cup campaigns in 2006, 2008 and 2010. However, Abou-Treika has been anything but influential on all fronts this season. On club level, the majority of his performances have been lackluster and barely provided the spark required, failing to help out-of-sorts Ahli redeem themselves. His international displays in the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers have been far from impressive too. Widespread speculation in the Egyptian football scene about Treika's glittering career was prompted after the decorated schemer lost his pace and agility. He says the idea of retirement has never crossed his mind but with his body persistently failing him while in action, his role could well be diminished. Ageing Veteran Ismaili coach Mark Wotte, an admirer of the former Tersana prodigy, believes it's about time for the highly-rated midfielder to be treated as an 'ageing' veteran. "He was a magician in the past years. His style is similar to (France legend) Zinedine Zidane," the Dutchman told Dream TV during a lengthy interview. "Now he has to follow in the footsteps of the ageing veterans of the Premier League by not taking part in all regular training sessions and matches."
Wotte admires Abou-Treika The likes of Manchester United duo Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, 36 and 37 respectively, are not playing on a regular basis but are still able to stand out every now and then in competitive matches. "But of course it's not my business to decide what's best for Abou-Treika, it's solely up to Ahli's technical staff," Wotte added. Despite his wretched condition, the Cairo giants' plans for Abou-Treika are different from handing him a peripheral role. Improving Morale Apart from lack of match fitness, Abou-Treika is suffering from 'mental anguish' which he once cited without elaboration as a reason why he has been out of form. Many people also blamed his deterioration on former Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri's inability to keep his men in a positive frame of mind. Now Ahli's caretaker coach Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Shafi 'Zizo' is holding out hope that he will be able to help his high-profile footballer hit peak form through working on the psychological aspect. "Right now I am focusing on improving the morale of the players, especially the big names," Zizo said. "Players like Abou-Treika and Mohamed Shawky could be like new signings for us this winter." To the same extent, Egypt coach Hassan Shehata still has a lot of faith in the capabilities and potential of the legendary player, putting much weight in the idea of his rebirth. "Abou-Treika is doing his best to regain his form and everybody should support him," The Master told Modern TV. "Veterans like Wael Gomaa, Abou-Treika and Ahmed Hassan are still important for the national team.
Shehata still has faith in Abou-Treika's capabilities "For instance, some people used to ask Ahmed Hassan to retire but now everyone misses him, after he was sidelined through injury. "Hearing people talking about these players like that really makes me sad. They are the same footballers who made the Egyptian people happy in three African Cups." Leader & Role Model Not only has Abou-Treika been idolized for his unique talent and scintillating performances, but also for his leadership and exemplary behavior on and off the pitch. He has been a role model for his Ahli and Egypt teammates for years, especially the younger ones. The classy ace might not be at his best these days but he remains a significance source of inspiration. "I feel really happy on my first day in Egypt's training camp," MCDR's rising star Ayman Hefni said in November during the African champions' preparations for their friendly with Australia. "I was comfortable because of the support I got from the national team stars such as Mohamed Abou-Treika and Wael Gomaa. "They advised me to be relaxed in order to quickly adapt to the new environment." Ahli starlet Afrotto is also among many players who think the world of the Ahli icon. "I want my playing style to be similar to (Mohamad) Barakat's, have the same determination of (Ahmed) Hassan and be gracious just like Abou-Treika," he said.
