New Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan needed three games to help several players rediscover their form after a period of instability saw them produce nothing but patchy displays. Zamalek won, drew and lost in their first three matches under the guidance of the legendary Egypt striker, who took over at the club following the sacking of Frenchman Henri Michel, but the improved results is not the only aspect which counts in his favor. Some players were deemed not up to the team's standard and others were criticized for failing to live up to their potential prior to Hassan's arrival. However, the former Ahli and Zamalek striker is gradually showing that the recent woes were a result of a negative legacy left by Michel and his predecessor Michel Decastel rather than a reckless attitude from the players. "I was sure before I even came here that those players are very good," Hassan, renowned for his enthusiasm and relentless stances, said after Zamalek defeated Masri 3-0 on Saturday for their first win under him. "They just needed to be well instructed. I'll do my best to help Zamalek regain their status as one of the best teams in Egypt." Shikabala Role An attacking midfielder with an undoubted talent, Shikabala received a lion's share of criticism after producing some below-par displays during the White Knight's dreadful run of results. He was booed and insulted by his own fans and his fiery temper got the better of him as he was involved in heated exchanges with them on several occasions this season. In his first training session with Zamalek, Hassan called on the spectators to chant Shikabala's name to give him psychological support. On pitch, Hassan realized that Shikabala does not excel while playing as a playmaker and decided to switch him to the wings.
The resurgent Shikabala The former PAOK man consequently dished out two assists and was a constant menace to Masri defenders in Saturday's win. "I believe Shikabala will be the best player in Egypt," Hassan, a devoted defender of his players, said. Shikabala, along with towering striker Mido, were also assigned unusual defensive duties which obviously helped Zamalek keep Ahli forwards at bay during a goalless draw in the Cairo derby last week. Hassan perfectly made the most of the talents of diminutive right-winger Hazem Emam, giving him freedom to make his darting runs and fielding right-back Ahmed Ghanem to cover the gap behind him. The pacey Ghanem, who was often criticized for his aimless runs while playing on the right side of a five-man midfield under Michel and Decastel, looks better suited for the defensive duties. Hassan, a formidable striker himself during his playing career, arrived when the majority of Zamalek goals were scored by defenders. He had to find a solution for that problem. "Special training sessions were held for strikers, this was necessary," Hassan said shortly after Ahmed Gaafar, a fringe frontman who joined Zamalek from Telecom Egypt in the close season, scored twice in the win over Masri. Hassan is aware that he still has a lot of work to do to lift Zamalek out of a persistent crisis. A top-four finish would probably be a huge achievement for the team, who lie 12th in the 16-team table. Nine points separate them from the top four. "I haven't done anything yet. Zamalek should return to their old rank because this team and their fans deserve the best," Hassan added.
