Peseiro Gross Zamalek

Zamalek has named Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro as their new manager, replacing Christian Gross one week before the Cairo derby against Ahly.

Jose Peseiro arrived in Cairo on Thursday to sign a one-and-a-half-year contract. Although financial terms were undisclosed, reports indicate he will earn $70,000 per month for the first six months.

This marks Zamalek’s second coaching change of the season. Gross, who replaced Portuguese manager Jose Gomes in December 2024, departs after just two months in charge, leaving the team third in the Egyptian Premier League with 26 points from 13 matches (eight wins, three losses, and two draws). Zamalek currently trails leaders Pyramids FC by four points and rivals Ahly by three.

Gross, 72, previously guided Zamalek to the 2018/19 CAF Confederation Cup title during his first spell with the club but exited after a contract dispute.

Peseiro, who briefly managed Al Ahly in the 2015-16 season before departing for FC Porto, brings valuable managerial experience from clubs such as Sporting Braga, Al-Hilal, Panathinaikos, and Al-Wehda.

His career highlights include leading Sporting CP to the 2005 UEFA Cup final and guiding Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final. He has also managed the Saudi Arabia and Venezuela national teams.

Peseiro’s first task as Zamalek’s head coach will be Sunday’s Egyptian Premier League clash against Petrojet.