Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has dismissed concerns that Mohamed Salah is distracted by the uncertainty surrounding his future at Liverpool, insisting the forward remains fully focused ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Hassan said Salah’s attitude in training has been impressive as Egypt prepare for their opening Group B match against Zimbabwe in Agadir on Monday.
“Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting out with the national team. I believe he will have a great tournament with Egypt,” Hassan said. “His motivation is very, very strong. Salah is an icon and one of the best players in the world, and I support him in everything he does.”
Salah arrived at the AFCON camp amid speculation over his situation at Liverpool after he failed to start the club’s last five matches before departing for Morocco. Tensions reportedly escalated following Liverpool’s Premier League draw with Leeds United, during which the 33-year-old claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by head coach Arne Slot, fuelling rumours of a possible January transfer.
Hassan, however, played down the issue, describing it as a normal occurrence in football.
“I don’t see what happened as a crisis. Situations like this often happen between players and coaches,” he said. “We have been in contact with him from the beginning, and I met him when he joined the camp. His focus is completely on the tournament.”
Salah is aiming to help Egypt secure a record-extending eighth AFCON title. Despite his illustrious career, he has never won the continental trophy, having lost finals to Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal in 2022.
The Egypt coach added that Salah often rediscovers his best form when representing the national team.
“Whenever his performances dip at club level, he comes back stronger with the national team, either scoring goals or creating them, and then returns to his club in better shape,” Hassan said. “He needs to win the cup, for Egypt and for himself.”
Egypt will also face South Africa and Angola in Group B, with all their first-round matches scheduled to take place in Agadir.
