Zamalek coach Mido insisted on Friday he would stay put while dismissing rumours that he would offload some players, hitting back at detractors as the club approach the final stage of the season.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Marseille striker, who submitted his resignation early his month only to reverse his decision a few hours later, has faced some growing criticism over the team’s shaky displays since he took over in January.
However, the club have relatively improved lately, recording some vital wins including a 2-1 home victory over Sudan’s Hilal in the African Champions League that made up for their loss at Congo’s Vita Club in their first group-stage encounter.
They will have to beat Ittihad El-Shorta in their final game of Egyptian Premier League Group B next month if they are to advance to the final four-team playoff to determine the champion.
“The rumours about my departure and the exclusion of some players only aim to destroy the team and distract the players. This is deliberate,” Mido, who is known for his fiery remarks, said on his Twitter feed.
Mido is burdened with ending Zamalek’s 10-year wait for a league triumph to end the hegemony of arch-rivals Ahly, who have won seven consecutive titles since 2004.
He is also hoping the White Knights would win the prestigious Champions League accolade for the first time since 2002.
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