File photo of Swiss coach Christian Gross (Reuters)
Struggling Zamalek face Assiouty Sport in the Egyptian Premier League on Sunday but the pre-match talks focused on the club's negotiations with Swiss coach Christian Gross to take over in the summer.
Local media said Gross, who managed English side Tottenham Hotspur in the late 1990s, should arrive in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Gouna on Sunday to hold talks with Zamalek over their vacant managerial seat.
The ailing Cairo giants are looking for a replacement to Ehab Galal, who was dismissed after a string of poor results that included a shock exit from the African Confederation Cup at the first hurdle after a shootout defeat by Ethiopia's Wolaitta Dicha.
Khaled Galal took over on an interim basis but Zamalek extended their winless league run to four matches after wasting a hatful of goal-scoring chances in a 0-0 draw with Arab Contractors last Wednesday.
They virtually lost hopes of finishing third and earning an African Confederation Cup spot.
They lie fourth with 55 points, on level with third-placed Masry who still have three games in hand. With only two matches remaining for Zamalek, including a Cairo derby against champions Ahly, they are unlikely to leapfrog Masry.
Despite being plagued by administrative problems, Zamalek are seeking to reach an agreement with Gross as soon as possible. However, local media said the 63-year-old would only take charge of the team after the end of the season, with Khaled Galal likely to lead them in the Egypt Cup.
Gross has won two Swiss league titles with Grasshopper, four with Basel and a Saudi league crown with Al-Ahli.
Zamalek's only hope of silverware this term lies in the Egypt Cup. They will face El-Entag El-Harby in the competition's quarter-final next month.
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