Zamalek coach Galal dismisses 'rumours' of Emirati offer, says focused on Egypt Cup

Ahmed Abd El Rasoul , Sunday 25 Mar 2018

Zamalek were held to a 0-0 draw in Sunday's friendly match against Petrojet amid preparations for an Ismaily match when the domestic league resumes in April

Zamalek
Zamalek coach Ihab Galal (M) with the technical staff members (Photo: Zamalek's official website)

Winning the Egypt Cup title and coming runners-up in the Egyptian Premier League are Zamalek's current priorities, following their recent elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup, coach Ihab Galal has said, while denying being in talks with a club from the UAE.

"I am satisfied with the players' performance and with the result, especially as it came after a strong training session on Saturday," Galal was quoted as saying by the club's official website after Sunday's 0-0 friendly draw against Petrojet as part of their preparations to face Ismaily when the domestic league resumes on 2 April.

The Whites suffered a shock exit from the Confederation Cup round of 32 after losing 4-3 on penalties to Ethiopia's Wolaitta Dicha following a 2-2 aggregate draw in Cairo on Sunday.

"Zamalek fans have the right to be sad after the Confederation Cup exit. Our full concentration now is to get the best preparation for the new season, by ending the league in second place and also by winning the Egypt Cup title," the coach said.

Zamalek had a shaky start after Galal’s appointment early in January, but they managed to restore the balance in recent matches.

They won their last seven successive Egyptian League matches, climbing to third place in the league table with 54 points, 21 behind leaders and arch-rivals Ahly.

The club is also competing for the Egypt Cup, facing El-Entag El-Harby on 14 April in the quarterfinals.

 "Whatever happens I won't leave my post with Zamalek," Galal replied when he was asked Sunday about receiving an offer recently from a club from UAE.

"Zamalek is bigger than any other club. I wasn't in any talks and I don't know the reason behind these rumours at the time being," he concluded.

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