In a revealing statement following his team’s 2-2 draw with Ceramica Cleopatra in the fifth round of the final stage of the Premier League, Ayman El-Ramadi, the coach of Zamalek, firmly rejected any description of his team's performance as "random." He stressed that his team's play was not haphazard but rather well-organized, despite the difficult circumstances they faced in the match.

El-Ramadi explained that the team was dealing with significant challenges due to numerous player absences, as several key players were missing from the lineup. He pointed out that the substitutes' bench lacked enough attacking players who could contribute in such matches. He also emphasized that he fully understands the capabilities of his players and that, although he had just recently taken over, he is always working to improve the team's performance in every match.

Regarding the team's weaknesses, El-Ramadi acknowledged that some of them were his responsibility as the head coach, but he also praised the positive aspects of the players’ performance, noting that Zamalek was better at ball progression and that there was a positive spirit on the field. He clarified that the team still needed more work to return to their best form, and although the draw was disappointing, it showed a clear playing method that could be built upon for the future.

On the accusation of Zamalek's performance being "random," El-Ramadi firmly rejected the label, explaining that the word "random" was inappropriate. Despite the difficult conditions, the team managed to present an acceptable performance and controlled parts of the match. He added that he wasn't concerned with provocations from external sources and that he would continue to focus on his work with the team. He also acknowledged that there was a strong competitive team in Ceramica Cleopatra, capable of challenging Zamalek despite their absences.

The Zamalek coach further expressed his appreciation for the team's circumstances, particularly the high temperatures, which affected player performance. However, he praised Ceramica Cleopatra's players, emphasizing that he was familiar with them from his previous experience with the team and that his players knew exactly what he wanted as a coach. He stressed that such conditions would not prevent Zamalek from improving and achieving their goals in upcoming matches.

El-Ramadi also highlighted the potential of players like Mahmoud Bentaek, Abdullah Al-Said, Omar Jaber, Nasser Mansi, and Nasser Maher, stressing that the team needed psychological and mental support to reach their best performance. He confirmed that he was continuously working on this aspect to achieve the best results. Furthermore, he stated that he wasn't concerned with external criticism or provocations and emphasized his positive relationship with all Egyptian football fans, including Zamalek's supporters, noting that all coaches face such pressures regularly.

Regarding the team’s goalkeepers, El-Ramadi confirmed that Zamalek has some of the best goalkeepers in the Egyptian Premier League, such as Mohamed Awad and Mohamed Sobhi. He explained that the choice of goalkeeper was based on the match's circumstances and the team's needs, and that excluding any player from the lineup was a purely technical decision. He added that while fans often question the absence of a goalkeeper, the final decision lies with the coaching staff.

Concerning the negative aspects of the team’s performance towards the end of the match, El-Ramadi pointed out that the decline was primarily due to psychological and mental factors, in addition to physical factors affecting players in high-tempo matches. He assured that he and the technical staff would work on addressing these issues and that improving the team's physical and mental aspects would be a priority in the coming period.

In conclusion, El-Ramadi expressed regret that the team did not secure a victory in this important match, but he reaffirmed that Zamalek would continue to work hard to improve their position in the league and achieve their goals. He praised the players' dedication and performance despite the challenging conditions and reiterated that the team would strive to achieve better results in the upcoming matches, especially since the competition for the top positions remains intense.

With the draw against Ceramica Cleopatra, Zamalek now has 41 points, putting the team in a difficult position and requiring a quick return to winning ways if they wish to compete for the top spots.