Just nine players from last season's squad will remain with Gouna next term as they bid to retain their top-flight status in their first season among the elites.

Gouna, a privately-owned club who are backed by multinational corporation Orascom Telecom, spent big in the close season to bolster their ranks.

They signed several high-profile players like Feyenoord keeper Sherif Ekrami and midfield trio Wael Riad, Amr Samaka and Hussein Ali.

"The changes we made were natural," former Zamalek midfielder Youssef told a new conference on Saturday.

"Playing in the premier division is totally different from playing in the second. We should be ready to face bigger teams.

"It will not be easy to play against popular clubs who are backed by large number of fans or clubs who are financially backed by wealthy companies."

Gouna, like most of the company-owned Egyptian clubs, do not have large number of supporters.

Stadium Concerns

Meanwhile, Gouna could be able to play in their own stadium next season despite safety concerns.

The Egyptian interior ministry deemed the 15,000-seat venue unsuitable to host Premier League games.

However, Youssef believes this will not be the case when the competition begins next month.

"Renovations are being carried out to prepare Gouna Stadium for league matches. It will be ready on the first of August," he added.