Wotte returned to Ismaili for a second spell, having managed the coastal club for a brief stint in 2006.

The 49-year-old, who knows little about the Arabic language, exercised it to make it clear that Ismaili will not be able to compete for honors next season unless they recruit high-profile players.

"Good players will not benefit us next season, we need very good ones," Wotte said in Arabic.

Ismaili have not won any title since their last Egyptian Premier League triumph in 2002.

They finished third last season and exited the Egyptian Cup after losing to eventual winners Harras Hodoud in the semi final.

Ismaili are highly unlikely to spend big in the close season, given their persistent financial problems.

But Wotte, who spoke through an interpreter after switching back to the Dutch language, believes that the Dervishes have no option but to enter the transfer market.

"We have shortage of options upfront, we need new strikers. We also seek to sign Zamalek sweeper Hani Saied," he added.

"The club promised me that they will do their best to make a deal for Saied."

Ismaili were on the verge of reaching an agreement with Zamalek to sign Saied in a swap deal that would have seen central defender Moatassem Salem move the opposite direction.

However, Salem said he wanted to join Egyptian champions Ahli instead of their arch-rivals Zamalek.