"He once again lifted the team's spirits, although he didn't spend much time at Ismaili this season," Khairi told FilGoal.com.

"He by far knows how to deploy players; he has had a good relationship with all of them since his previous tenure as coach."

Soliman took charge of the coastal side a week ago in the wake of the sacking of Dutchman Mark Wotte.

Under the new boss' guidance, Ismaili beat Gouna 3-2 in a dramatic league game but the Dervishes' real test will be against leaders Zamalek on Monday.