File photo: Egypt coach Rogerio Micale speaks during the pre-game press conference, photo courtesy of CAF official website
On Wednesday, Zamalek announced the appointment of Motamed Gamal as interim coach following the resignation of former coach Ahmed Abdel Raouf in late December.
“There are some talks with Zamalek, but they aren’t over yet. It is an honour for me, and I hope we reach a positive outcome soon,” Micale said.
The 56-year-old acknowledged the club’s current struggles but said he was well aware of Zamalek’s stature. “I know that Zamalek is going through a difficult period, but I know the value of the club and its fans. If an agreement is reached, I will do my best to help,” he said.
The Brazilian coached Egypt’s Olympic team to the semi-finals of the Paris 2024 tournament, the country’s best Olympic football finish in 60 years. He previously won Olympic gold with Brazil at Rio 2016 and has coached clubs including Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal and Qatar’s Al Dhafra.
He was also appointed in September 2024 as head coach of Egypt’s U-20 team, tasked with preparing a new generation for the Los Angeles Olympics.
Micale qualified the Young Pharaohs for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations before announcing his departure on 30 December 2024 over a financial dispute with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).
Zamalek is currently facing a deepening crisis.
In a bid to salvage their season, the club is searching for a new foreign coach following Abdel Raouf’s departure after a series of poor results.
Abdel Raouf took charge of the Whites at the beginning of November after the dismissal of Belgian coach Yannick Ferrera, who was also sacked following disappointing performances.
Under Abdel Raouf’s leadership, Zamalek played seven matches across all competitions, recording three wins, three draws, and one defeat.
The team’s performances were further hampered by ongoing financial and logistical problems, with the situation worsening after FIFA imposed a fresh three-transfer-window ban on the club on 17 December.
Zamalek currently sit fourth in the Egyptian Premier League with 22 points from 12 matches, seven points behind leaders Ceramica Cleopatra, who have played one game more.
Despite the turmoil, the Whites advanced to the Egypt Cup round of 16 after a 1–0 win over second-division side Baladeyet El-Mahalla at Arab Contractors Stadium on 28 December. At the continental level, the team remains in contention in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.
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