The Whites handed Masri their first league defeat this season, beating their guests 2-1 in Cairo.

"There were several twists in the game but fitness was the decisive factor," the German coach told the post-match press conference.

Tunisian defender Wissem El Abdi gave Zamalek the lead as early as the first minute before Ashour Al-Adham leveled the score eight minutes later.

Masri dominated after the equalizer and Hollmann had to make his first substitution during the interval, introducing Mohamed Abdullah for Mahmoud Samir.

"We lost control of the game and I had to intervene to get the team back on track," Hollmann said.

"Abdullah had several chances to win in the second half but unfortunately he didn't," added Hollmann.

The former Ahli manager has also warned all his men that there is no room for any player who doesn't give hundred percent in training.

"We need only hard workers," he said.