Zamalek coach Jose Peseiro
Zamalek will host archrivals Ahly in the opening match of the Egyptian Premier League's title race phase. The Whites just defeated Modern Sport FC on Saturday to reach the Egypt Cup quarterfinals.
“Ahly got a longer break, and that gives them an advantage, especially as my team played 120 minutes [full time plus the extra time] in Modern Sport game,” Peseiro said in a pre-match press conference on Monday.
Ahly’s last game was last Wednesday when they defeated Talae El-Geish 2-0 in the league. As a punishment for withdrawing from last season's edition, they are not participating in the current edition of the Egypt Cup.
“We made a huge effort in the Modern game; the players who played that game just did rehabilitation trainings recently as time is limited ahead of the Ahly game, and I am trying to avoid any injuries,” the Portuguese coach added.
Pyramids FC currently lead the league with 42 points, three ahead of holders and second-placed Ahly, while Zamalek are third with 32 points.
According to Peseiro, Zamalek will fight for victory in that "important and difficult" test against Ahly.
“I know the importance of the Cairo derby and sure any player wants to play the game and enjoy it. We are preparing for the match with full concentration and commitment,” the Whites’ coach explained.
“I think the game’s atmosphere will be better especially amid the return of our fans after ending the recent two-game ban. We will work hard to please the fans and will fight to secure win,” he affirmed.
Ex-Ahly coach Peseiro stressed that he has a definite strategy for the game against his former team, but his players’ readiness will have the final word.
“Zamalek will be playing to win. It is a difficult confrontation, and we are targeting improving some weak points from the last game,” the Zamalek coach concluded.
Ahly met Zamalek on 22 February in the competition’s single-round derby, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
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