Zamalek: Early Season Manager's Report

We knew before the season started that Division 1 would be incredibly tough and that there was a chance we could be involved in a proper dogfight for survival. As I stated previously, relegation must be avoided at all costs, but it's not just us that know that, and some of the players that have been attracted to the division and the squads assembled show that it's not only Zamalek who mean business.

With that in mind, I have to say that it's difficult not to be pleased with our season so far. In most 20-team leagues, 40 points is the 'magic number' that should guarantee safety, and we're currently sitting on 17 points. Nearly halfway there and with over two thirds of the season to go, so we're more than on track. That said, we can't be complacent. A defeat in our next game could see us drop to 10th, a victory could put us in the top 4, it's very tight, as you'd expect at this stage.

There has been some talk that we should be looking to ensure a place in an SMFA competition next season, and even mentions of a title challenge. While a title challenge would be very unexpected with the likes of Dinamo Tblisi doing so well, and with Mamelodi Sundowns giving themselves a cushion at the top, we do need to be aiming to qualify for an international competition for next season. I feel it's where the club belongs and will be great for the fans, not to mention a valuable experience the players and a few more quid in the coffers.

Cup runs are special for all involved, and definitely can boost morale at the club, so it's disappointing to be out of both the NWO Cup and the NWO Shield before the third round, but realistically I don't think many people were expecting us to compete with the giants of the footballing world this season. There could be some criticism that we chose to use our young players in these competitions, but the future of Zamalek depends on our league position, so taking any risks with that just wouldn't be worth it, at least not this year. We hope to be competing on all fronts in the future. I was really pleased with how the young guys did though. It's all very well buying talented teenagers, but they need big match experience, so giving them that will stand them in great stead for the future.

Our experience in the league has been mixed, despite picking up a respectable amount of points. We're the only team to have beaten leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but we've also suffered defeats to Melbourne Victory and and Dinamo Tblisi, both of whom we consider rivals. Mirko Vucinic has been great for us, scoring 4 goals so far, and Mario Gomez (above) has been one of the league's top performers despite only finding the net twice. Yohan Cabaye also deserves credit for consistent high quality performances, and the fans have been sensational, with attendances constantly high, and even surpassing the 30,000 mark.

With our expenditure on bringing in some big name players, finances are tight, so we're looking to address that. Our young winger Mahmoud Kahraba (left) has been something of a poster boy for both the club and the national team, but with his opportunities limited this season, we've agreed to let him leave for Al-Ittihad for a fee of just over 2m. That money will be used to balance the books, as well as to bring in French starlet Willem Geubbels from Lyon, with his contract including a clause that means Lyon will have first refusal on Arthur Melo if and when we choose to sell him.

Our plans for the rest of the season? Well it goes without saying that hitting the 40 point target is first and foremost, and if we do that then we can start looking at getting a place in an SMFA competition. We have the players here to achieve that, but will be taking nothing for granted. I've loved my time here so far and the players and supporters have been doing the club proud. I'm hugely looking forward to the challenge ahead!