Head coach of Chelsea's opponents Zamalek resigns

Hassan Shehata has resigned as coach of Zamalek, the club revealed Thursday.

The Al-Ahram Arabic newspaper had reported Wednesday that Shehata was planning to quit, and the club officially announced his departure Thursday.

"My resignation is definite, I would not return to the club under any circumstances," Shehata told Al-Ahram, putting an end to a troubled reign in charge of the Egyptian giants.

Assistant coach Ismail Youssef said Thursday that he was ready to replace Shehata for the coming African Champions League match against DR Congo's TP Mazembe on 4 August.

"I can't abandon the team during this critical time as we have a vital game against TP Mazembe in the Champions League," Youssef said.

The club has made no announcement on who Shehata's replacement will be.

Zamalek lost 1-0 to rivals Ahly on Sunday in the African Champions League group stage.

Shehata first submitted his resignation two months ago after the club failed to release striker Mahmoud Abdel-Razek 'Shikabala' after the two men had a blazing touchline row during a Champions League match against Maghreb Fez in May.

The 62-year-old returned to his post after the club placed Shikabala on the transfer list.

After Zamalek lost their first two Champions League matches, Shehata came under pressure from several board members to forgive Shikabala, but he refused.

"There are several unacceptable things going on at the club and I endured a lot, but I won't reveal them because the past is the past," Shehata told Al-Ahram.

Shehata's resignation comes before Zamalek's crucial clash against DR Congo Champions TP Mazembe on 4 August in Lubumbashi on day three of Champions League.

Zamalek, who lie at the bottom of Group B with no points, must avoid defeat in Lubumbashi to keep their hopes of qualifying for the next round alive.