Egypt Zamalek’s new coach eyes winning start in Champions League against 1º de Agosto

Egyptian Zamalek’s newly-appointed coach Patrice Carteron highlighted the importance of his side’s coming clash in the Champions League against Primeiro de Agosto, stressing that there is no room for error at home, notably after the loss against TP Mazembe.

Zamalek will host Angolan side Primeiro de Agosto in the Champions League group stage in Cairo on Saturday, one week after their disappointing 3-0 loss to TP Mazambe in Congo in the Group stage opener.

Mazembe’s defeat prompted Zamalek to sack Serbian coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic and to appoint Carteron as the team’s new coach on Tuesday.

“The game will be very tough, but we will be looking to win the game,” Carteron told the pre-match news conference on Thursday.

“We will fight in our three games at home in order to keep our hopes alive in the group,” Carteron said.

“I have no time to make tactical changes, so we worked on the physical condition of the players.”

The Frenchman believes that Zamalek have a good chance of reaching the next round in the continental competition, stressing that the four teams of the group have the same chances.

“Our group is very tough. All teams have the same chances, but we are ready to achieve our mission.”

Zamalek lie at the bottom of the group after the TP Mazembe slump without any points, while Angolan side Primeiro de Agosto are third with a single point after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by ZESCO United of Zambia last week.

Source: Ahram Online