CAIRO: Ittihad president Mohamed Moselhi called on the team s fans to support head coach Taha Basri despite the embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Gaish.

The visiting fans hurled insults against Basri and Ittihad players following their dismal display in Saturday s League game.

I know that the fans are very angry but defeats are natural in football, Moselhi told FilGoal.com on Sunday.

I hope the fans remember that Basri and his assistants were the ones who guided Ittihad to a respectable league position this season.

The Alexandria-based club, who used to battle against relegation during the past few seasons, enjoyed a fine run under the guidance of Basri, who took over at the club in December.

They lie sixth in the 16-team table on 30 points from 22 matches.