CAIRO: Ismaili will not be able to compete for the Egyptian Premier League title next season unless the club’s board digs deep into its pocket, coach Emad Soliman said on Sunday.
The Dervishes had a less than impressive season after being blighted by some injuries to key players, including regular attacking midfielders Omar Gamal and Abdullah Saied.
They also lacked a reliable striker, with their frontmen scoring just nine goals between them throughout the season.
Ismaili could not replicate the form that saw them finish runners up to Ahly in the 2008-2009 season after losing 1-0 to their bitter rivals in a playoff game.
They could only finish third this term to book a place in next season’s African Confederation Cup.
"I told the board that the club need to sign three or four players in the close season," Soliman told FilGoal.com.
"Keeping the experienced players such as (keeper) Essam Al-Hadari and (midfielder) Hosni Abd-Rabou is also very important.
"I will not be responsible for any poor results next season if the board does not fulfill my demands."
It remains to be seen whether Ismaili would afford paying for new signings as they suffer from persistent financial problems.
Egypt keeper Al-Hadari went on strike in March after the club failed to fulfill their financial obligations towards him.
Reports also suggest that Ismaili will not be able to pay the wages of Abd-Rabou, who has recently ended a two-year loan spell at UAE side Ahly.
Soliman is set to lead the three-time Egyptian champions next season despite continued speculation regarding his future.
He was given several votes of confidence by the club’s board this season.
