Zamalek’s Spokesman Essam Salem revealed on Monday that the club’s management will announce a final decision over the future of the team’s coach and some star players after finishing the coming two crunch showdowns against Ceramica Cleopatra and Esperance of Tunisia.

The Cairo giants are scheduled to face Ceramica Cleopatra in the 15th matchday of the Egyptian Premier League on Thursday, five days before playing against Esperance of Tunisia in the 4th round of the African Champions League.

The Whites’ coach, Jaime Pacheco, is currently on a hot plate after the team failed to achieve any victories in the Champions League group stage so far, as they were held to two opening goalless draws against Algeria’s MC Alger and Senegal’s Teungueth, before losing 3-1 to Esperance.

“The team’s supporters are worried, and they have a point, as they need to claim a trophy because we have more talented players in the squad,” Salem told a television programme late on Sunday.

“We have more talented players in the squad, but it’s not enough to meet the fans’ expectations, the supporters only need great achievements.”

“The club’s management are participating in ongoing meetings to announce a decision that meets supporters’ expectations,” the Zamalek’s spokesman added.

“Management [are aware] that they should announce a decision that could save the season,” he said.

Zamalek are in the driving seat of the Egyptian Premier League teams’ table with 30 points after playing 13 games so far this season, but they played three more games over title holders and arch-rivals Ahly.

The Whites need to achieve a victory against Ceramica Cleopatra on Thursday to return to winning ways, as it could be a positive push ahead of the game against Esperance in the African Champions League.

“The game against Ceramica Cleopatra is expected to be a tough game, then we will face another challenge with Esperance, so we have to win to march on in the two tournaments or we have to throw the towel,” Salem said.

Reports in Egyptian media claimed that Zamalek’s management are in talks with two foreign coaches to replace the current tactician, Pacheco, after the team’s poor run in the African Champions League.

Pacheco took charge of Zamalek last September after a frantic search for a new boss following the shocking departure of Frenchman Patrice Carteron, who rescinded his contract to join Saudi side Al-Taawoun.

The 62-year-old Portuguese coach failed to claim any trophies with Zamalek since taking charge of the team, and he is currently in a critical situation after the Whites’ poor run in domestic and continental competitions.

“All choices are viable so we can meet the expectations of Zamalek’s fans,” Salem said.

“All the current bad circumstances will end soon [after the] club’s management [reaches a decision], as we are doing our best to meet the fans’ hopes, as well as help the team to return to winning ways,” the Zamalek’s spokesman concluded.

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