Zamalek president Mansour slams coach Gross

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Friday Feb 15, 2019. 12:00

Zamalek president Mortada Mansour has slammed Christian Gross following the team's failure to beat Algerian side NA Hussein Dey in the CAF Confederations Cup Group D.

The Egyptian giants remain winless in the group stage with two matches played after drawing 1-1 with NA Hussein Dey at the Borg El Arab stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

“When I previously interfered [in team selection] it was my right and because I cared about the team, and I have the right to interfere at any moment,” Zamalek president told Mehwar channel.

“What Gross does is stubbornness and has no other explanation. I don’t seek clash with him for Zamalek fans, it’s not just about the draw and it’s not even related to football. But what happened against NA Hussein Dey is unacceptable, after we had the chance to become group leaders we are now in the bottom.”

“Where are Ayman Hefny, Madbouly and Mahmoud Abdel-Aziz? This manager wasn’t convinced about signing Ferjani Sassi and also Hamdy Nagguez, how come he isn’t convinced about Hamid Ahaddad?”

“We got knocked out from Arab Championship against Ittihad, lost to a weak side in Kenya. This is difficult to understand.”

“Every time I say it’s just this game but things have gone beyond the limits. We are on the top of the league because of the players and our rivals.”

Swiss coach Gross has been in charge of Zamalek since July 2018 and the team is currently placed at the top of the Egyptian Premier League standings.