Zamalek's new coach Augusto Inacio during the press conference on Saturday (Photo: Zamalek's Official website)
Zamalek's new coach Augusto Inacio has said he won't accept interference in his work, saying at his unveiling to media on Saturday that the Cairo giants need a lot of work to get back on track.
"Zamalek is a big club known worldwide. The board offered me full support in my mission. The team deserves a better situation," Inacio said at a press conference at the club's headquarters.
"I know that there are enemies for Zamalek, but I will work hard and no one will interfere in my work as this isn't acceptable for me. I left my job before in Qatar for a similar reason," the 62-year old Portuguese tactician added.
Club president Mortada Mansour, who is often accused of interfering in his coaches' choices, denied such claims again at Saturday's presser, but insisted that he will remain close to the team to ensure its success.
Inacio officially signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with the Whites after a meeting with the management on Friday.
He will take charge of Zamalek in the League, Egypt Cup and CAF Champions League tournaments following the resignation of Mohamed Helmi, under whom the club delivered a recent series of unconvincing performances.
"I will start working with Zamalek from point zero. There will be no stars in the team as the one who proves his worth in the trainings will automatically earn a place in the matches," the new coach said.
"Zamalek needs much effort especially in raising the players' morale and fitness. The players are determined to return back to winning ways. I have certain goals to achieve here and I know that competing for the league title is difficult," the coach concluded.
A former Portugal left-back, Inacio previously worked in Portugal as a coach for various clubs, including Rio Ave, Marítimo, Sporting CP and Moreirense.
Zamalek lie fourth in the Egyptian Premier League table with 40 points, a massive 18 behind leaders Ahly who have played one match more.
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