Toulan declares he's fully responsible for Zamalek's poor run in the CAF Champions League, but says to look at all 'circumstances' before judging the team
Zamalek coach Helmi Toulan says he won't "fool the fans," and confesses his team is experiencing "very hard circumstances."
The Cairo-based club suffered a bitter 4-1 loss away Saturday against South Africa's Orlando Pirates to at the bottom of Group A of the CAF Champions League with a solitary point, behind leaders Pirates (7 points) and Congo's Leopards and Ahly, who both have four points.
"We are the weakest team in the group. When comparing the squads, for example, we compete with only 16 to 18 players while other teams, including Ahly that share the country's same political and security circumstances, are more lucky in terms of funds, preparations and management," Toulan told the Zamalek official website after the defeat.
The Whites' bitter rivals, Ahly, beat Leopards 1-0 on an away game the same day.
Egypt is witnessing continued bloody clashes all over the country after the military deposed elected president Mohamed Morsi in response to mass protests for his ouster.
"I am fully responsible for the defeat, but I demand all to examine all factors before judging the team," Toulan added.
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