Ex-Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan to coach Petrojet

Former Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan is set to start his post-playing career by taking charge of Egyptian League side Petrojet, Ahram Sports reported late on Thursday.

The former Ahly and Zamalek midfielder will replace coach Ramadan El-Sayed, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Hassan has agreed to sign a two-year contract with Petrojet, the report added.

Since his retirement in 2013, the 40-year-old seemed undecided over his future. He had a short spell with Egypt’s national staff, working under the  helm of former coach Shawky Gharib, but that didn’t end well as the Pharaohs failed to reach the 2015 African Cup of Nations for the third time in a row.

Speaking on Egyptian television recently, Hassan said he needs to consider his options as the experience was far below his expectations, and that he needs to find a job where he can make good use of his considerable experience.

Hassan is seen as one of Egypt’s most successful footballers who have played abroad. The energetic midfielder started his career in Egypt at Aswan, then went to Ismaily before moving to Turkey in 1998 where he played for Kocaelispor, Denizlispor, Gençlerbirligi and Beşiktas.

In 2006 he switched to Belgian giants Anderlecht leading them to League (2007), Cup (2008) and Super Cup (2007) titles before returning to Egypt in 2008, playing for Ahly and then Zamalek.

Hassan is the world’s most-capped player, with 184 international appearances, having played for Egypt from 1995 until 2012 and leading them to four Nations Cup titles in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Source: Ahram Online