Zamalek risked the unthinkable prospect of being relegated to the second division after making a disastrous start to their season but Hassan arrived to transform them into title contenders.

Although their arch-rivals Ahli eventually clinched a sixth consecutive Egyptian Premier League title, Hassan was praised for the way he managed to lift Zamalek to second spot despite having few stars at his disposal.

The Egypt's all-time leading scorer, who began his coaching career in 2008, is looking forward to a better season next term.

A self-taught rookie coach, Hassan still draws inspiration from some prominent figures, including Real Madrid's newly-appointed coach Jose Mourinho.

"I always try to imitate the most successful coaches in football," he said in a television interview on Saturday.

"I always follow Mourinho for instance, he sets an example for other managers to follow. He is an idol.

"Look at how he was responding to questions during the press conference that was held to unveil him as Real coach.

"His answers were precise and perfect. I'm learning from him."

Hassan was also full of praise for former Egypt coach Mahmoud Al-Gohari, the man who helped him burst onto the scene with the Pharaohs.

Al-Gohari included Hassan in his 1990 World Cup squad and defied many critics by naming him in the 1998 African Cup of Nations roster although he was not at his best during that time.

Hassan repaid his faith by becoming the Nations Cup joint top scorer with seven goals as Egypt clinched the title in Burkina Faso.

"Please Mr. Al-Gohari, we need you in Egypt to improve football here," he pleaded with the 72-year-old, who resigned as the Egyptian FA technical director in August 2008 before occupying a similar role in Jordan.

"We need your experience to restructure all the aspects of football. We are having many problems."

Hassan is yet to reach an agreement with Zamalek to extend his deal but the club are likely to keep hold of him.