Zamalek coach Motamed Gamal blamed a 20-day preseason for the champions’ goalless Egyptian Premier League opener against Ittihad Alexandria.
The White Knights began their title defence with a 0-0 draw at Cairo International Stadium on Friday. Gamal praised his players but said the team entered the new campaign under difficult circumstances.
“We are working against logic,” Gamal said at his post-match press conference, adding that Zamalek “have only been in preseason for 20 days”.
He said his staff faced “a difficult equation,” where Zamalek must win matches, produce strong performances, prepare players physically and protect them from injury at the same time.
Gamal added that he could not increase the players’ workload without risking fitness problems. That also influenced his substitutions against Ittihad, he said.
Zamalek created several chances in the first half but struggled to maintain their intensity after the break. The coach said he had hoped to settle the match before half time.
However, he said that he believes the performance “contained positives that Zamalek can build on,” alongside “problems that require correction.”
He also contrasted Zamalek’s preparations with those of their rivals. Gamal said other clubs had added several players during the transfer window, while the White Knights could not strengthen their squad because of a transfer ban.
When asked about the absence of Brazilian winger Juan Bezerra, who has not yet returned to training amid uncertainty over his future, Gamal replied: “I only talk about football.”
He added that the available players had his full confidence and declined to discuss the club’s off-field disputes.
Gamal also addressed Abdallah El-Said’s condition. He described the veteran midfielder as an important player and team leader but said he required more time to regain full fitness and reintegrate with the squad.
Zamalek won last season’s league title on the final day, finishing two points above Pyramids.
The White Knights will next face El Bank El Ahly at Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday, August 26. El Bank El Ahly opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat by newly promoted Abu Qir Fertilizers.