CAIRO: Zamalek boss Hossam Hassan believes that Egypt s African Cup of Nations triumph had some negative effects on his team, highlighting the exit of Mido and the morale of Shikabala.
Speaking after Monday s 2-0 victory over ENPPI, Hassan explained the mixed impact of the seven-week break on the White Knights, who had five players with Egypt in Ghana.
The recent break has been useful for us in one way, but there were also some negativity, the Egypt legend said after the ENPPI win.
It was good for us to spend more time with players who haven’t been playing regularly. I also had the chance to promote some promising youngsters like Mohamed Ibrahim, who is only 18.
However, I think that it cost us a player like Mido, who left for England because he was devastated to be out of the Egypt squad.
Shikabala also was not OK when he returned from international duty because he wanted to play a more important role in the victory.
As for the other Zamalek players who were with the national team; it was important to get them out of the atmosphere of the Nations Cup, because they need to focus on the league now.
New position
Hassan revealed that he will only play Egypt sweeper Hani Saied as a holding midfielder from now on.
Hani will play in midfield because that’s his normal position, the 43-year-old manager said.
I have faith in his ability and I will not change the formation (4-4-2).
