The head coach of the Egyptian national team, Hossam Hassan, denied any issues within the team during a press conference dedicated to the "Pharaohs" match against Burkina Faso, part of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Reports had claimed a dispute between coach Hossam Hassan and the captain of the "Pharaohs," Mohamed Salah, star of Liverpool FC, which was subsequently denied by sports officials and Hossam Hassan himself.
Hossam Hassan told the media: "This period is one of the best I've seen in terms of player behavior, in determination and national spirit. The players want to do something for the country and the fans, then for themselves. They are working very professionally, all players whether inside Egypt or outside, led by Salah, Trezeguet, Mustafa Mohamed, and others."
He added: "I see that there were imaginations; some people were trying to plant in the minds of the Egyptian audience, who love their country and players, the idea that there is a problem. It is natural for a big star (Salah) to be present with his teammates, and for there to be a coaching staff that loves their country and respects their players, especially those who raise Egypt's flag high. All the imaginations that were in people's minds have no existence in reality, and this has taken a lot of our time. We have tired the people a lot, and we have tired the fans with something untrue."
The 57-year-old Egyptian coach continued: "I am happy to have Mohamed Salah leading the team; he has great experience, and the players love him. There is love and respect for the older players in the team, and I am happy to have Salah and the whole group."
Hossam Hassan clarified: "Salah is a very committed and distinguished man. God willing, he will show up on the field, and as the administrative manager, Ibrahim Hassan, said, we will hopefully see Salah in the way we are used to, with the determination to achieve something with his teammates."
