After six league games, things can't be any clearer for the Whites' faithful supporters.

Defeated three times, conceding five goals and scoring just six (two of which were own goals and the third was a penalty!) were not exactly the stats expected after the first quarter of the season.

The shock looks even more unbearable in the wake of Zamalek's stylish end of last season and a successful build-up for the new one.

Putting an impressive show in the Cup final against Ahli, despite losing 4-3, and regaining the mob's trust was the first step.

Then, by enjoying a disciplined and effective preparing camp in France, signing a bunch of new players including three prominent defenders and persuading the team's stars of staying around, all ingredients were in place for an explosive start.

But the loaded guns backfired, especially after world-class manager Henri Michel, who has been representing the light at the end of the tunnel, quit a few days before the kick-off.

Last season's colorful image put pressure on the players' shoulders, the new signings perfectly displayed what "lacking harmony" means and new manager Ruud Krol found himself forced to deal with players he didn't choose.

Even Zamalek's stars are out of service: the veterans are struggling to prove they are not finished yet and those who are still near, or yet to reach, their peak are busy looking for ways to jump ship.

Presumably, game is over for Zamalek … exactly as it was during the past three years.

It just remains to be known whether their next starting point would be when the African Champions League kick-off in March or they will have to wait till the summer if they lost their coach and a couple of their good players in January.