Floundering Egyptian giants Zamalek SC have announced Swiss Christian Jurgen Gross as their new coach for the next two years.
Gross, 63, becomes the 24th manager under the reign of the firebrand White Knights president Mortada Mansour.
“Zamalek SC agreed a two-year deal with Christian Gross to lead the Whites. Let’s show some love to our new coach,” the club’s official Twitter handle posted.
The Swiss’ last posting was with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli Saudi for three years till last year.
His nine months tenure with Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur ended in 1998 after a tough stint that was made worse by negative media.
Gross enjoyed great success with Basel after returning to Switzerland from England – winning four Swiss Championships and four Swiss Cups.
He also took Basel to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup in the 2004-5 season.
At Zamalek he will meet a crest fallen side in need of inspiration to return to glory days.
But first he will have to secure them CAF Confederation Cup football by finishing at least fourth in the Egyptian Premier League.
The team is currently fourth in the topflight with 55 points same as Al Masry, who have played three matches less.
Gross will also have to worry about 5th placed Smouha who are breathing heavy on their shoulders and could deny them continental football next year.
Zamalek, who are 12 times Egypt champions have had to live in the shadows of their arch rivals Al Ahly, who recently confirmed their 40th title.
