Next season will be a nightmare unless Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan are willing to make a significant change to their attitude on the Ismaili bench. During the past couple of years, the Hassan twins have been working so hard to get Zamalek out of their ordeal and almost succeeded in their mission. But off the pitch, the Hassans made ceaseless attempts to win the hearts of Zamalek supporters by means of an emotional approach, packed with words of promise that the ‘future is white'. Quotes like ‘Ibrahim and I are the sword and shield of Zamalek' also seemed to be working for a while with the desperate fans… as if the club was in a war! This is apart from a series of tirades against arch-rivals Ahli, who turned from the club where the twins spent 22 successful years to a corrupt organization!
Controversial comments and endless mind-games completely overshadowed Zamalek's technical issues during the Hassan reign In other words, controversial comments and endless mind-games completely overshadowed Zamalek's technical issues during the Hassan reign. Eventually, the twins' impulsive tactics didn't seem to bear any fruit as they gradually lost the confidence of many Zamalek faithful until being stunned - as much as many people - by the board's decision to ditch them and appoint the more-reputable Hassan Shehata. Now this is a hard lesson, but hopefully a useful one for two phenomenal figures in Egyptian football, usually hampered by their ill-tempered behavior. Hopefully Hossam Hassan can listen to the many wise voices urging him to focus on football and in this case, I think we might see a team brimming with talent working under a very ambitious coach. Rivalry and competition
Hopefully Hossam Hassan can listen to the many wise voices urging him to focus on football and in this case, I think we might see a team brimming with talent working under a very ambitious coach. The rivalry between Ahli and Zamalek is perennial, but – only in recent years - the animosity has been multiplied by three when Ismaili clash heads with the Reds. Ismaili are regarded as the natural-born protestors of Egyptian football, thanks to their endless criticism to any ruling, including referees, governing bodies and even the Tax Administration! (As claimed by a board member some point during last term). On the other hand, there is no need to talk about the Hassans and controversy. Now the rivalry base has been extended and the tension will be unbearable if the Hassans maintained the same level of unrest. On the contrary, competition could be thrilling between Egypt's top trio if we just had a break from conspiracies, injustice and endless accusations. Ismaili almost forfeited the league last season in protest –rather unjustified- over refereeing, but now with a new board of directors in charge, hopefully we can see a more civilized approach in dealing with things.
