Egypt team is tactically different under Aguirre: Assistant coach Ramzy
Ahmed Abd El Rasoul, Wednesday 7 Nov 2018
Egypt have played three games under Aguirre since his appointment, scoring 12 goals and conceding only one to win three games in a row


Egypt is tactically different under Mexican coach Javier Aguirre, compared to predecessor Hector Cuper, according to assistant coach Hany Ramzy who assured that the national team's door is still open to new players.

"There is a difference between the styles of Aguirre and Cuper. Despite my all respect for the former coach and his achievements, under his helm the players' movements were restricted on the pitch, unlike what happens now under Aguirre," Ramzy told ON Sport TV channel early Wednesday.

The 59-year-old Aguirre was unveiled as Egypt's new coach 1 August, replacing Argentinean Cuper who departed late June after Egypt failed to bag a single point following three World Cup defeats to Uruguay, hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia in Group A.

Cuper, who guided the Pharaohs to the World Cup finals for the first time in 28 years, was often criticised for his defensive playing strategy.

"There a tactical flexibility inside the pitch with Aguirre. The players respond quickly and they became free to move inside the pitch according to the playing style," the former Ahly star Ramzy said about the playing style under former Mexico and Japan coach Aguirre.

"Now there are different playing styles and we can depend on one striker or two. You should entertain playing football, and feel free when you play, but at the same time you should commit with the team's playing style," the assistant coach added.

On Sunday, Aguirre called up 16 players to take part in the Egyptian national team training camp for the 2019 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tunisia on 16 November.

"Aguirre is closely monitoring another seven players to call any of them in the future. We watch all Egyptian league matches to give an opportunity to all players," Ramzy explained.

"Our target is to have three exceptional players in every position," he added.

The Pharaohs will start their preparatory camp on 12 November at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab city.

Two weeks ago, Aguirre announced the names of 11 overseas-based players for the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tunisia, with Liverpool star Mohamed Salah among the named.

Egypt have played three games under Aguirre since his appointment, scoring 12 goals and conceding only one to win three games in a row.

Egypt have already secured a seat in the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon after they placed second in Group J ranking with nine points, behind rivals Tunisia.

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