Zamalek’s newly appointed coach Jose Peseiro speaks to the players during his first training session. Photo courtesy of Zamalek.
On Friday, the Cairo giants unveiled the signing of Portuguese coach Peseiro, who had taken over from Swiss manager Christian Gross, just a week before the Cairo grand derby against Ahly.
"My target is to win and develop the performance. Those who know Zamalek players realize that they are amazing," the 64-year-old tactician told the club's TV channel.
"Zamalek fans are wonderful, and they always provide an astonishing atmosphere. We want them to stand behind the team. Sometimes, they become angry when the team loses, but we want them behind us. All the club wants to please them."
Peseiro arrived in Cairo on Thursday to finalize a one-and-a-half-year contract with Zamalek. No financial details were announced, but Peseiro will reportedly earn $70,000 monthly during the first six months.
The team's uninspiring performance influenced the decision to part ways with Gross only two months into his second term with the White Knights, with eight wins, three losses, and two draws in 13 matches in the Egyptian Premier League.
Peseiro is set to assume his new role immediately as Zamalek prepares to face Petrojet on Sunday in the Egyptian Premier League before facing archrivals Ahly in the Cairo derby next Saturday.
Despite the challenges that await Peseiro, who worked previously in a short stint as Ahly's coach during the 2015-16 season, the Portuguese tactician remains optimistic about delivering good results.
"My plan is to win in next games. Zamalek coach should be always seeking victory whether in the home and away games," the new coach explained.
"I promise to win and so I came here. I took the charge as I believe that we are capable of doing so," he added.
Gross, 72, leaves Zamalek positioned third in the Egyptian League table with 26 points, trailing leaders Pyramids FC by four points and archrivals Ahly by three points.
Peseiro finally stressed that he prefers playing attacking football, adding that the team should always fight to win until the dying minutes.
Peseiro brings a wealth of experience from his stints with big names, including Porto and Sporting Braga in Portugal, Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Panathinaikos in Greece, and UAE's Al-Wehda.
Peseiro's notable achievements include guiding Sporting to the Europa League final 2005.
He also has experience on the international level, having managed Saudi Arabia and Venezuela and guided Nigeria to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
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