Jose, whose side are braced for a crucial month including a number of crunch fixtures, said on Wednesday that he considers the Zamalek game to be the easiest among the next four.

But Abdul-Hafiz indicated that the Portuguese meant no disrespect to the league leaders.

“Zamalek are our primary rival for the title, so the players reach their maximum level of concentration when we face them, which makes it easier for the manager to give his instructions,” the former Ahli winger told FilGoal.com.

“We respect Zamalek, and Jose’s comment doesn’t mean that they are a weak side.”

Ahli face Hossam Hassan’s team on June 28 in a match that could well determine the champions of Egypt this season.