Former Zamalek captain Mahmoud Abdel Razek Shikabala strongly criticized the club’s management, particularly its handling of player departures and the team’s ongoing financial challenges.
Shikabala also discussed Zamalek’s ability to compete despite difficult circumstances, emphasizing the continued support of the club’s fans and their presence behind the players.
He said the team’s current results did not surprise him, pointing out that Zamalek had started the season better than the previous campaign, when the club won the league title despite changes to the coaching staff.
Shikabala: "You Are Dismantling the Team"
Shikabala said Zamalek fans deserve clarity regarding decisions affecting the squad, particularly when it comes to selling key players.
He specifically discussed Juan Bezara, explaining that he would have preferred the club to keep the Brazilian player at this stage before deciding on a potential sale at a more suitable time.
The former captain stressed that preserving the team’s core should have been a priority, especially with Zamalek competing in multiple competitions.
He concluded his criticism with a direct message to the club’s management: "You are dismantling the team."
Registration Crisis and Player Sales
Shikabala discussed Zamalek’s difficult financial situation, including the club’s registration crisis and potential disciplinary consequences.
He said responsibility for resolving these issues rests with the board, while also criticizing the decision to part with important players during the current period.
He noted that Zamalek had made similar decisions during the previous season but still managed to win the league title.
Shikabala also criticized the club for changing its earlier position regarding player sales, arguing that being transparent with supporters about the financial situation would have been preferable.
Shikabala Questions Criticism of Moataz Gamal
The former captain also addressed criticism directed at the coaching staff, asking why some people were unhappy with the continuation of Moataz Gamal.
He explained that Zamalek supporters ultimately want victories and trophies, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the squad’s core and ensuring players receive their financial dues on time.
Shikabala added: "If you are not bringing players in, do not let anyone go," stressing the need to retain the existing players when strong replacements are unavailable.
Preserving the Squad’s Core
Shikabala believes the existing group of Zamalek players could compete for domestic and African titles if provided with greater stability and support.
He argued that making significant changes to the squad while competing on several fronts can make the task more difficult, particularly when adequate replacements are not available.
Maintaining the current group and ensuring financial stability, he suggested, could help the team perform more consistently.
Shikabala: A Smaller Squad Can Sometimes Be an Advantage
Regarding the lack of squad depth, Shikabala said having a limited number of players in each position can sometimes have a positive side.
A smaller group may reduce competition and uncertainty over the starting lineup, but it can also become a major challenge when the team faces a congested schedule.
Injuries and suspensions can further expose a lack of depth, especially when suitable alternatives are unavailable.
Zamalek’s Youth Academy Could Provide Solutions
Shikabala highlighted Zamalek’s youth academy as a potential source of solutions for the first team.
He pointed to the previous season, when several young players were given opportunities and produced promising performances.
The former captain believes academy players could help cover certain absences and address shortages within the squad.
Shikabala: "These Players Must Receive Their Dues"
Shikabala stressed the importance of paying Zamalek players their financial dues on time, arguing that financial stability directly affects their concentration and performances.
He also held the club’s management responsible for delays in the team’s preparation, saying that late payments or an inadequate start to the season should be viewed as administrative issues rather than problems caused by the players.
According to Shikabala, creating stability and preserving the squad’s core are important factors in helping Zamalek compete across different competitions.
What did Shikabala say about Zamalek’s management?
He criticized the club’s handling of the squad, particularly player sales, maintaining the team’s core and dealing with financial difficulties.
What did Shikabala say about Juan Bezara?
He said he would have preferred Zamalek to keep Bezara during the current period before considering a sale at a more suitable time.
What did Shikabala say about Zamalek’s registration crisis?
He said resolving the registration and financial issues is the responsibility of the club’s board and stressed the need to address problems affecting team stability.
What was Shikabala’s view on Zamalek’s lack of squad depth?
He said a smaller squad can sometimes have advantages, but it becomes challenging when the team faces injuries, suspensions and a congested schedule.
What did Shikabala demand regarding player payments?
He stressed that players should receive their financial dues on time, saying financial stability is important for their concentration and performance.
