Zamalek manager Hassan Shehata has admitted that he is holding talks with Saudi Ittihad Jeddah, amid the uncertain future of football in Egypt. The highly rated-tactician had initially denied any negotiations linking him with the Saudi side until the Gulf media published an interview for him confirming the negotiations. “Yes, there are negotiations with Ittihad Jeddah, but I opted not to talk about it until it is official,” the former Egypt manager told reporters on Thursday. “Ittihad are a big club and it's an honor for me to manage them but the matter has yet to be finalized. “But Zamalek are my home and I'm eternally bonded to that place even if there is no contract tying me down to the club. “I do not focus on financial aspects at all but the turbulent conditions in Egypt do not encourage anyone to continue here.” In the wake of the Port-Said tragedy that saw 77 killed and hundreds injured following Masri's game with Ahli last week, all sports activities in the country have been indefinitely put off. Confident Meanwhile, board member Abdullah George is adamant that Shehata will not part ways with Zamalek. “I am sure that Hassan Shehata will not leave Zamalek,” George told FilGoal.com “Anyways, if he even decided to coach Ittihad Jeddah, they must pay a penalty fee first. “I could understand well that his statements were prompted by the unrest Egypt is currently witnessing, even so I am confident that he will not go.” Saudi giants Ittihad, sixth in the Saudi league standings, have Egypt international Hosni Abd-Rabou among their ranks after securing his services few days ago.
