File Photo: Coach of Egypt's Zamalek, Jesualdo Ferreira (R) of Portugal, reacts during their Egyptian Premier League derby soccer match against Al Ahly at Borg El Arab "Army Stadium", west of the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, July 21, 2015. The match was played without spectators due to security reasons. (Reuters)
Although Zamalek reached the Egypt Cup final on Thursday, club chairman Mortada Mansour has said that he is angry with coach Jesualdo Ferreira and believes the Portuguese tactician is sidelining the club's stars.
Zamalek beat Smouha 4-3 on penalties after full-time play concluded with a goalless draw between the two sides.
"I sent a message to Ferreira with the team's football director Ismail Youssef that I am very annoyed with his starting lineups choices," Mansour told a television programme after the Smouha game.
"Ferreira is working to not allow stars to appear in the team. He always punishes Ayman Hefny, Ahmed Hassan Mekky and Mostafa Fathi," the Zamalek chairman added.
"I can't agree with changing the starting lineup every game. He always sidelines players after they shine during games,"
"Ferreira has to give the team's players a chance to improve themselves during the games," he said.
"Yes I interfere in the technical affairs, that is what I did last season to win the league. If it wasn't for that, we wouldn't have won the title," the controversial figure added.
"I am responsible for the football team as it's part of the whole organisation that I manage."
The Egyptian Premier League title-holders will face Ahly in the final on Monday, after the Red Devils also defeated Petrojet 3-1 on Wednesday.
"I will hold a meeting with Ferreira before the Ahly game to change his attitude towards the team's stars," Mansour concluded.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: