I managed Zamalek during the 2003–04 season, and naturally, for any manager to win the league without suffering a single defeat, as well as the Arab Club Championship and the Egyptian–Saudi Super Cup, whilst achieving such impressive results, is something that leaves a lasting mark on one’s career.
That success was exceptional for me, the players and the entire back-room staff—Mahmoud Al-Khawaja and Hisham Yaken among them—who all played a crucial role.
Since then, I have had several chances to return to Egypt—my second home and the country where I have worked most after Portugal.
My approach to people, the local culture, and everyone involved in the game—from the media to rival clubs—helped me earn respect and display true sportsmanship, while, of course, delivering results. Winning the league without a single defeat is an exceptional achievement.
Manuel José achieved this several times and remains the benchmark for foreign coaches in Egyptian club football, while Hassan Shehata set a similarly high standard with the national team.
Those feats later opened doors for me to return to Egyptian football, though the timing did not always work out.
As recently as two years ago, everything was set for my return, yet the move fell through at the last moment.
When it did not happen, it was either my choice or the club’s decision that I was not the right coach for the job. Either way, Egypt will always be my second home.