Tarek Yehia: Zamalek’s director is distancing himself from club legends because he can’t assert his authority.
Tarek Yehia criticizes Zamalek’s football director for recent choices and calls for preserving the club’s identity by involving its former players.
Tarek Yehia, former Zamalek star, continued his criticism of the club’s sporting director, John Edward, following recent reports about the appointment of Abdel Nasser Mohamed as the new football director for the first team.
In a radio interview, Yehia clarified that his comments stem solely from his concern for the club’s best interests, stating:
“I’m not seeking a position at the club, whether as a sporting or administrative director, or even within the dressing room. I’m a coach, and I speak out of loyalty to Zamalek.”
He added:
“The board has every right to appoint whoever they want, but the role of football director should go to someone from within the club — a Zamalek man. We, the club’s former players, have never opposed anyone. We've always stood by the club.”
Yehia emphasized that a club’s identity is built by its fans and legends, questioning:
“Why is the club being emptied of its own people? My message to John Edward is this: when you come to work at Zamalek, you must rely on the club’s icons — those who truly understand its value.”
He continued:
“It seems John Edward avoids dealing with Zamalek stars because he cannot assert control over them. He prefers working with those who have less experience and fame so he can maintain authority.”
Yehia concluded:
“If John Edward eventually leaves, everyone he brought in will leave with him, and we’ll be forced to rely on Zamalek’s own people again — starting from scratch. This cycle is destroying the club’s identity and erasing its true figures.”
Tarek Yehia had previously voiced his dissatisfaction with the club’s recent administrative changes, expressing concern over appointments of figures from outside the club like Ayman El-Ramady, Abdel Nasser Mohamed, and Hassan Gomaa.
“Is Zamalek empty of its own sons?” he asked.
“The club’s legends have shown patience and resilience through crises, so why are they being marginalized? Abdel-Wahed El-Sayed, Kabany, and others have left — where is Zamalek’s identity now?”
He concluded by affirming that what is currently happening within the club is unprecedented, stressing that his words come from a place of love and loyalty — not personal ambition.
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