The Egyptian champions' fielded a second-string team against arch-rivals Zamalek, which resulted in a 2-0 defeat, but the Frenchman backed his opposition's case.

"I think Ahli took the right decision to play with reserves, this season is very long and overlaps with the next, and we will face the same problem if we reach the cup final," Michel told the post-match press conference.

Zamalek will face second division Mansoura in the Egyptian Cup quarter-finals, which remains Michel's team only attainable silverware this season.

"I don’t promise a cup trophy, but we will work hard to win every game."

Ahli assistant coach Hossam Al-Badri insisted that the club will stick to its policy, despite the defeat.

"The defeat will not change our decision to rest key players, we will play with the same players against Ismaili," said Al-Badri, who is deputizing for Manuel Jose as head coach.

Ahli's clash with Ismaili on the final day of the league will be a special contest, as the Dervishes were responsible for ending Ahli's two-year unbeaten run with a 3-0 victory in January.

Al-Badri’s job against Ismaili will be a tougher one as he faces more absences in his already depleted squad.

"We face a slight problem in defense as Mohamed Sedik sustained an injury and Ahmed Al-Sayed is suspended for the Ismaili game, but we have to deal with these sorts of problems," he added.

Al-Badri took time to praise Ahli fans' magnificent support for the players despite watching their team lose the most important game of the season for the first time in three years.

"These fans are always behind us, it was something I expected from our great supporters."