Motamed Gamal, the technical director of Zamalek Club, confirmed that he was anticipating the way the Haras El Hodood team would play the match, explaining that the opponent relied on defensive organization and playing on transitions and counterattacks.
He pointed out that Al-Hedoud had some opportunities, but the Zamalek players were in a hurry to score in the first half, because they wanted to score an early goal to make the task easier.
Correcting players’ positioning and improving performance
The technical director explained that there were technical observations on the positioning of some players during the first half, and they were addressed at the beginning of the second half, which reflected positively on the performance. He praised the trio Abdullah Al-Saeed, Ahmed Fattouh and Mohamed Al-Sayed, stressing that they carried out their roles efficiently. He added that the team was relatively better after the break and succeeded in implementing the instructions as planned, stressing the closing of the match file and focusing on the difficult confrontations ahead.
The secret of changing Fattouh’s position
Gamal revealed that the idea of fielding Ahmed Fattouh in the midfielder position (8) was not the result of the circumstances of the match, but was agreed upon in advance, especially with the technical staff knowing that Abdullah Al-Saeed would not be able to complete more than 60 minutes. He explained that he spoke with Fattouh before the match about this role, directing him to position himself on the right side to be in a better position in front of the goal.
Comment on opportunities, arbitration and the absence of Chikubanza
Regarding Ahmed Sharif’s wasted opportunity, he stressed that wasting opportunities is common in football, preferring not to discuss the players after the matches due to their different psychological states. He also reserved his comment regarding arbitration, stressing that some decisions in midfield were deservedly in favor of his team, without affecting the result.
He concluded by noting that the Angolan player Chikubanza has suffered from a posterior muscle injury since facing Ceramica Cleopatra, and will undergo a medical examination after a negative rest to determine his position in the upcoming matches.
