Zamalek’s newly-appointed coach Helmy Tolan says he is happy to be in charge of the Whites, despite the difficulties the team is currently facing.
Tolan, a former Zamalek player, left El-Hodoud to take over at his former club. He will be tasked with leading the White Knights to the league title as they face arch rivals Ahly, Ismaily and ENPPI in the final phase, despite media speculation that the competition might be called off due to the ongoing political instability.
“Zamalek players are responsible enough to compete in the current championships,” Tolan said on Zamalek’s official website on Sunday.
Zamalek are set to face their arch rivals Ahly in the African Champions League group stage opener on 21 July.
“The Ahly game is important in this stage as we consider it a private championship,” he added.
“I prefer to play games like this, because it proves the tactician’s ability to lead the team.
“We don’t have enough time to prepare the team for the Ahly game but we will do our best to win,” Tolan concluded.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FqxZIWscAI[/youtube]Tolan was an assistant to former Zamalek coach Otto Pfister from 1999 to 2002, during which Zamalek won several titles. He then had spells with Telecom Egypt, Masry and Haras El-Hodoud, but failed to win any accolades.
