Zamalek's newly-appointed coach Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam has expressed optimism as he began the tough task of attempting to defend last season's titles.

The young 32-year-old coach has been re-hired to lead Zamalek after Brazilian Marcos Paqueta's short spell, who was sacked after two wins, two draws and a defeat in the Egyptian Premier League.

"Zamalek combine a group of very good players this season. It's a very good team," Mido said, who led the Cairo giants to an Egypt Cup victory in 2014.

The Whites enjoyed a very successful season last year, winning the league trophy for the first time since 2004 as well as clinching the Egypt Cup under the helms of Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira who left early this season after a dispute with the board.

"My role as a coach in the upcoming period is to re-organise and stabilise the team. It's too early to talk about the titles now," Mido explained.

Zamalek are fourth in the league table with 18 points, five behind leaders Maqassa who have played three more matches.

Mido started the season with Ismaily and, despite a fine run, resigned from his post last month after a dispute with midfielder and club icon Hosni Abd-Rabou.

The 32-year-old tactician, a former nomadic player who roamed between a host of European clubs, including English side Tottenham and Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam, steered Zamalek to the Egypt Cup title in 2014 in his previous stint in charge.

However, he left after the club only finished third in the league behind winners and arch-rivals Ahly and runners-up Smouha.

Mido is supposed to be assisted by another Zamalek icon, the former playmaker Hazem Emam, who is set to become football director.

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