Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira only accepted managing the crisis-hit Zamalek because he is excited by the ‘very difficult challenge'. Vieira has just been appointed as he faces an uphill battle to put the Whites back on track in the Champions League following three opening group-stage defeats. “Working with Zamalek in this situation is a very difficult mission regarding the team's current form and their position in the CAF Champions League," he told Cafonline.com in a lengthy interview. “I take this as a personal challenge and that's why I accepted the mission. I love Challenges and hope to achieve success. “I've worked in a much tougher situation in Iraq and I can handle it whatever the circumstances thrown at me. “It's definitely very difficult to start my mission in this current state of affairs as I don't know whether the domestic season will resume or not, but I have to accept the situation as it is and make my plans accordingly." Vieira is renowned for steering a war-torn Iraq to the Asian Cup of Nations triumph in 2007, while working with a host of Arab clubs since the early 80s. Full responsibility The 59-year-old coach insisted to take full charge of the next game against Mazembe although he has yet to become totally familiar with his new squad. “I'm fully responsible for Mazembe's match this Sunday. I'll work with my assistants to find out the appropriate plan for the team's good," Vieira added. After losing 2-0 in Lubumbashi, Zamalek host four-time champions Mazembe on Sunday knowing that a draw would see them officially wave goodbye to the competition. Zaki and Shikabala Commenting on the loss of star players like Amr Zaki and Shikabala, who moved to Turkey and UAE respectively, Vieira doesn't seem concerned as he looks to focus on the squad in hand. “A team is not made up of only one or two players. I don't depend on a single player regardless of their skills and quality," he said. “I admit the importance of having some key players, but my long experience taught me to concentrate on those available for the game only and not think of the absentees. “We have many talented players, but what's important now is to regain the fighting spirit in the coming matches."
