Toulan agreed a one-year deal with the Cairo club, who were left without a manager after Brazilian Vieira suddenly left to the UAE last month.

“It is a big gamble to manage Zamalek at such a very difficult timing,” Toulan, a former Zamalek player, said.

“But I belong to this big club and I think Zamalek is worth the risk.

“Along with my crew, I will do my best to help Zamalek get back to winning ways.”

Zamalek, who are guaranteed leaders of the Egyptian Premier League Group B, have one match left against Gaish.

Toulan will then face a real test when he leads the Whites in the CAF Champions League group stage and the final league playoffs in a few weeks.