Nourredine Ben Zekri: Zamalek approached me to coach the team

Algerian coach Nourredine Ben Zekri, who previously managed Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab, confirmed that there were previous discussions with Zamalek SC officials about taking over the team's management last season. He pointed out that the negotiations ultimately stalled and were not completed due to the failure to reach an agreement on financial terms.

The Algerian coach, during his appearance on the "Classico" program on ON E channel, explained that communication came through one of the player agents close to Zamalek SC's management, without any direct negotiations with the club officials.

The Algerian coach expressed his initial welcome to working in Egyptian football, highlighting his great appreciation for Zamalek SC's status as one of the powerhouses in Egypt and Africa alongside Al Ahly FC. He confirmed that his desire to undertake such an experience is conditional on the existence of a comprehensive sports project and clear competitive ambitions within the team.

He added that negotiations have likely stalled due to financial considerations, explaining that the market value of a coach working in the Saudi Pro League is high, which has caused previous communications with some Egyptian clubs to falter.

In his comments on Hossam Hassan's departure from the Egyptian national team, the former coach of Al Shabab noted that this decision comes as somewhat of a surprise, while also stating that the move was expected given the nature of the circumstances surrounding his tenure.

Ben Zakri pointed out that Hossam Hassan's technical results were not disappointing, but he believed that other factors, including media criticism and the circumstances surrounding the coach, contributed to increasing the pressure on him.

It was pointed out that the national coach may face additional difficulties when he loses the support of some key players within the team, which could create a gap affecting his position.