Against the Absences: Yurchich’s Bold Quest for Super Cup Glory

Build-Up and Stakes

Croatian coach Krunoslav Yurchich of Pyramids expressed deep happiness to be in Abu Dhabi, preparing for the Egyptian Super Cup, and emphasized that the team is focused and hungry for another trophy.

In today’s press conference, he described the semi-final against Zamalek as a big match in every sense, with Pyramids in top form and the atmosphere inside the squad at an ideal level.

He noted that the squad aims to add another title to the club’s record after a run of continental and domestic successes, which included four trophies in a single year.

Reflecting on last year’s Super Cup, he recalled the encounter against Zamalek where a late goal was disallowed, saying the team has matured and now faces a different challenge.

Yurchich added: "We don’t care who we meet in the final, whether Al Ahly or Ceramica Cleopatra; both are big teams and the final will be strong, but our focus is to beat Zamalek first and win."

He stressed that Pyramids has gained enough experience for big matches, noting that in the past what was missing was time for players to gain the required experience.

He insisted: "Everyone at Pyramids—from the staff to the players—worked hard over the past year for this moment. We’ve already won important titles, but our ambition doesn’t stop here; we want more local and continental achievements."

Injuries and squad depth

He also spoke about notable absences ahead of the clash with Zamalek, confirming that Ramadan Sobhi, Mostafa Fathy, Osama Jalal, Blati Touré, and Donga will miss out, yet the bench is ready to fill gaps without weakening the team’s resolve.

"The absences are impactful, but Pyramids has a strong substitute pool capable of covering any deficit. The match will be tough regardless of the circumstances, but we are prepared to deliver a strong performance and push toward the title."

He also mentioned the arrival of a new coach at Zamalek (Ahmed El-Roufi), noting that a fresh coaching influence often reveals itself gradually as ideas take time to imprint on the squad.

"The new coach at Zamalek needs some time to impose his style. In such short periods, what stands out is the positive energy in the dressing room and motivational spark, but over time his tactical ideas will become clear."

Open race among the top four

The coach highlighted that this year’s competition is different, with four big teams — Al Ahly, Zamalek, Pyramids, and Ceramica Cleopatra — all having real chances to win the title.

"Every team has a genuine shot at the Super Cup. We at Pyramids are prepared to compete vigorously. We have a talented group and an ongoing hunger for success, and we’ll keep pushing for more local and continental honours."

He added: "Winning the CAF Champions League and other trophies has put us on the crest of a summit; staying there is extremely challenging, but our players are eager to keep climbing and to crown more trophies together."

El-Shennawy: Proud to Represent Pyramids in the Super Cup

Ahmed El-Shennawy, Pyramids’ goalkeeper, voiced his great happiness to be in the UAE for the fourth consecutive time to contest the Super Cup, confirming the team’s excellent form and full readiness for the big clash against Zamalek.

In the press conference, he said: "Zamalek is a big club with history and a strong fanbase; the match is always tough. But in Pyramids we are in top form and crave the Super Cup glory after our recent trophies."

He added: "Our previous losses to Zamalek were down to match conditions and fortunate breaks for the opponent, but we are now in a state of high concentration and hope luck will favor us this time."

Shennawy also touched on his absence from the national team list, respecting the choices of the Pharaohs’ coaching staff and wishing good luck to his teammates on the road ahead.

"Not being selected for the national team is a decision for the coaching staff; I cannot complain. I only wish success for Egypt in every game, whether I am involved or not, because the team represents us all."

He wrapped up by saying the Zamalek clash will be a true test of Pyramids’ strength and ambition, noting that while Zamalek players bring experience and quality, Pyramids’ drive to win remains undiminished.

Punchlines

Punchline 1: If football were a stand-up show, the bench would still steal the spotlight even when the main act is on stage.

Punchline 2: With all these injuries, the only thing heavier than the squad is the coach’s optimism for a trophy run.