The Cairo side finished runners up to champions and arch-rivals Ahli in the Egyptian Premier League after enjoying a revival under Hassan, who took over at the club in November last year.

They were hoping to make the most of their fine form and clinch the Egyptian Cup title to avoid ending the season empty-handed.

However, they realized they have a lot of work to do to match Ahli after the Red Devils easily beat them 3-1 on Wednesday to advance to the competition's quarter final.

The disappointing defeat showed that Zamalek need summer reinforcements to make sure they don't fall behind Ahli again next season.

"Hassan's end-of-season report highlighted the need of six new players in the close season," Zamalek board member and former playmaker Hazem Emam told FilGoal.com.

"The wish-list includes a goalkeeper but it does not include stars, unlike what some reports have suggested."

Reports linked Zamalek with moves for the likes of Petrojet playmaker Walid Soliman, Harras Hodoud's Egyptian international forward Ahmed Eid and Saudi Arabia-based midfielder Hossam Ghaly.

But the White Knights are not after renowned players, Emam added.

"Hassan wants to sign new and hungry players who can give the club their all," he said.

Zamalek have last won the league in 2004 and have been outshone by Ahli since then.

They took their last piece of silverware in 2008 when they won the Egyptian Cup at the expense of ENPPI.