Ricardo Ferreira's side lost on penalties to Tunisia's Esperance last week to crash out of the regional competition, which represented their only hope of silverware.

"We are facing a problem with the players' morale after the ACL elimination," Ismaili chairman Aboul-Hassan told FilGoal.com.

"Now we have to focus on keeping our advanced league position."

Ismaili are fourth in the Egyptian Premier League table with 41 points, seven adrift of leaders and defending champions Ahli.

Ricardo Salary

Aboul-Hassan denied that coach Ricardo is willing to leave the club after his wages were delayed this month.

"Ricardo did not think of quitting, the salary problem is an internal case that we are capable of solving," he said.

Brazilian coach Ricardo was present in Sunday's training, but did not take charge of the session, with suggestion that he is unhappy.