Zamalek coach Ahmed Hossam "Mido" (Photo: Al-Ahram)
Zamalek sacked coach Ahmed Hossam ‘Mido’ says he faced unbearable circumstances during his short spell with the Cairo giants, and thanks the fans for standing behind him.
On Tuesday night, Mido was fired despite leading the team to the Egypt Cup title in his first season in charge.
The rookie manager, who played for a host of European clubs in his playing career, including English side Tottenham Hotspur and French outfit Marseille, was sacked a few days after Zamalek’s hopes of reaching the African Champions League semis were dealt a huge blow following a 0-0 draw at home to TP Mazembe.
Early on Wednesday, board member Ahmed Mortada Mansour announced that Egypt’s all-time leading scorer Hossam Hassan will succeed Mido.
“Thank you Zamalek fans. I tried to please you,” Mido said on his Twitter feed.
“I succeeded sometimes and I failed in other times, but I did all my best for the club.
“I left all the world to work for Zamalek. I leave with my head held high after winning a difficult title amid unbearable circumstances for any coach. My patience always came because of my love for the fans,” the former As Roma and Ajax player concluded.
Under the helm of Mido, the White Knights failed to end a 10-year league drought after finishing third behind winners and arch-rivals Ahly and surprise package Smouha.
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