Zamalek’s Coaching Crisis Deepens With Fourth Appointment In One Season

Zamalek’s Coaching Crisis Deepens With Fourth Appointment In One Season

Zamalek Appoint Fourth Coach of Turbulent 2022/23 Season: Juan Carlos Osorio

Zamalek have announced the appointment of former Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio as their fourth head coach of the 2022/23 season. The reigning Egyptian Premier League champions have struggled under the leadership of controversial President Mortada Mansour, resulting in the sacking of Jesualdo Ferreira twice this season.

New Era Under Ferreira

Zamalek started the season with much promise, going into a new era under Jesualdo Ferreira. However, they suffered a surprise CAF Champions League group stage exit at the hands of CR Belouizdad and Esperance, and have struggled to defend their league title.

Mansour Blames His Prison Sentence

President Mortada Mansour has attributed the team’s struggles to his one-month prison sentence over a verbal tirade against Al Ahly President Mahmoud El Khatib. The chaos at the club has led to a search for stability, with the latest appointment of Osorio.

Arrival of Osorio

Osorio brings a wealth of experience from North America, having coached Mexico at the 2018 World Cup. He arrived in Cairo this week after talks with German coach Heiko Herrlich fell through due to the instability on and off the field. Osorio is set to sign a two-year deal and will take over from interim coach Ahmed Abdel-Maksoud, who assumed duties between the exits of Ferreira this term.

Current Position in the League

Zamalek are currently in fourth place in the Egyptian Premier League, 12 points behind league leaders Al Ahly with 11 rounds of fixtures remaining. The appointment of Osorio is seen as a bid to salvage the remainder of the season and potentially challenge for the title.