Keeper Crisis, Calm Command: How Zamalek's Coach Keeps the Ship Tight
29 November 2025
Inside Zamalek's Keeper Conundrum
Amid mounting turmoil over Zamalek's goalkeeper situation, football director Abdel Nasser Mohamed publicly reaffirmed his complete confidence in the coaching staff and condemned the negative news campaigns aimed to distract the team.
Mohamed described Ahmed Abdel-Raouf as respectful to everyone and a professional leader who operates with a strong, decisive character.
He added that Abdel-Raouf is a promising coach who treats staff and players with respect, refuses interference, and works tirelessly for the club.
Regarding discipline, Mohamed acknowledged a single mistake by a player and said it was addressed internally, without disclosing the punishment.
The director stressed that the team does not need to respond to every rumor, but the fans deserve clarity, so the club spoke up.
He said goalkeeping competition is healthy and normal for a club of Zamalek's stature, and denies that it has become a crisis.
He noted that Zamalek has three top goalkeepers in Egypt and another rising talent who could have a bright future, underscoring the healthy flow of talent.
The role of the staff is to calibrate and keep everyone on the right track; anyone repeating violations will be excluded.
The director criticized the abundance of fake news aimed at pressing the team, comparing Zamalek to 21 other clubs where misinformation often circulates.
He argued that negative coverage reflects imagination rather than reality, and that the players will not be affected because everyone is professional.
A note that financial troubles are not unique to Zamalek, but media focus tends to concentrate on the club.
The current players are described as men; our policy is calibration and unity, with a mix of seasoned stars and promising youngsters who feed off loyal supporters.
Kooora reported that Ahmed Abdel-Raouf decided to exclude goalkeeper Mohammed Awad from the Kaiser Chiefs match squad after he voiced discontent at not starting; the staff opted for Mohammed Sobhi in the starting XI with Mahmoud Al-Shenawy as the only reserve keeper.
The team moves forward with the plan, strengthening the defense of the goal as they prepare for the upcoming tie.
Punchline 1: If football drama needed a scope, Abdel-Raouf's keepers would be the target—and he always hits the right spot on the bench.
Punchline 2: They say talk is cheap; in football, the bench is where the expensive opinions finally get benched. Boom, mic drop!
