File Photo: Zamalek coach Yannick Ferreira. Photo courtesy of Zamalek Facebook page.
The White Knights are gearing up to host Somalia’s Dekedaha FC in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round first leg on Saturday, with the return fixture in Cairo a week later.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Belgian coach said the club is working hard to resolve several off-field problems affecting the squad.
"The club is actively working to solve the problems we face, including the lack of a proper gym beside the training pitch," Ferrera said.
He directly refuted rumours of a player revolt and transfer exiles, stating, "I did not speak to the players about boycotting matches because of the financial crisis. There are also false reports about parting ways with Abdelhamid Maali in January; such news negatively impacts the club."
However, he revealed his belief in the squad is unshaken. "When you are at a club like Zamalek, you must win titles," he said. "We have 18 points now, but we should have 21. The team still has the ability to finish the league in the top two positions. We have to deal with the problems off the pitch, and we can finish in the top two and participate in the Champions League next season."
Addressing expectations, Ferrera candidly admitted, "In my first interview with the club, I did not promise to win all the titles. If I had, I would be lying. No coach can guarantee victory in every competition. We will strive with all our might in the coming period to achieve victories and work toward winning titles."
Ferrera clarified the initial logistical plan that involved training at the Military Academy stadium, confirming it was only a temporary solution before a planned move that ultimately fell through. "The plan was to train for a few months outside the club's stadium and then move to the club's branch in 6th of October, but Zamalek’s land was withdrawn," he explained.
Squad Details and Player Roles
Ferrera provided clarity on the situations of several players, starting with new signing Baron Ochieng and Mahmoud Gehad.
"Baron is a young player who needs more time to adapt to Zamalek's style, having joined after the league began. I did not request that he train with the youth team," Ferrera stated.
"As for Mahmoud Gehad, he is returning from injury but is a very good player. I hope he can train for two weeks without injury to regain match fitness and secure more playing time."
The Belgian coach also confirmed Mohamed Sobhy remains his first-choice goalkeeper.
“We met with the goalkeepers and explained their status,” he said. “Sobhy is the main goalkeeper because he’s better with his feet. He has a small advantage over Awad and Mahdi."
"It’s normal for players not to be happy when they don’t play, but Awad never complained, though, of course, he’s not happy about it,” Ferrera added.
In a direct comparison, Ferrera confirmed that Palestinian winger Adam Kaied and forward Ahmed Sherif are currently ahead of Angola’s Chico Banza, effectively challenging the latter to do his best to regain his place.
Regarding the players’ mental conditioning, Ferrera expressed his belief in the role of a sports psychologist, stating, “I believe in the importance of a mental coach. In my previous team, we had one, and while they are not magicians, I may consider hiring one in the future.”
Concluding, Ferrera praised the support from the club's hierarchy and defended Sporting Director John Edward.
"In my meeting with the club president, I sensed significant support from all officials, alongside backing from John Edward. I know John faces much criticism, but it is unwarranted,” Ferrera said.
"I hope that everything the technical staff and I contribute to the team will translate into success in the future."
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