Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has dismissed any doubts surrounding Mohamed Salah’s club situation, insisting the captain is mentally sharp, highly motivated, and fully committed as the Pharaohs begin their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey in Morocco.
The seven-time African champions kick off their Group B campaign against Zimbabwe, widely regarded as the group’s underdogs. All eyes will be on Salah, who is expected to spearhead Egypt’s attack despite recent uncertainty surrounding his role at Liverpool.
The 33-year-old forward arrived at the tournament following a turbulent spell in England, where he was left out of several league fixtures. The situation attracted widespread attention after a Premier League draw with Leeds United, when Salah hinted that he felt unfairly treated by Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Those comments sparked speculation about his future at Anfield and raised questions about whether the distraction might affect his international performances.
However, Hassan was quick to shut down such concerns, stressing that Salah has shown no signs of being unsettled since joining the national team camp.
“Salah’s morale in training is extremely high, as if he is experiencing his first call-up all over again,” Hassan said during Sunday’s pre-match press conference. “I truly believe he is heading into a great tournament with Egypt. His motivation is exceptional. Salah is an icon, and he will always remain one of the best players in the world. I fully support him in everything he does.”
Reports indicate that Salah did not start any of Liverpool’s final five matches before departing for AFCON, fuelling talk of a possible January exit. Despite this, Hassan downplayed the situation, describing it as a normal part of football rather than a genuine crisis.
“I don’t see what happened as a problem,” he explained. “Disagreements and difficult moments between players and coaches happen everywhere. We’ve been in constant contact with Salah from the very beginning. I spoke to him on the phone, and I met him personally when he joined the squad. His focus is completely on this tournament.”
Salah remains determined to finally lift the AFCON trophy, a prize that has so far eluded him. He came agonisingly close in 2017 and again in 2022, losing finals to Cameroon and Senegal respectively. This year’s tournament offers another chance for redemption, as he aims to lead Egypt to a record-extending eighth continental title.
Egypt enter the competition with confidence, having gone unbeaten throughout their qualifying campaign. Salah’s influence has already been crucial, playing a key role in securing Egypt’s qualification for the next FIFA World Cup. The Pharaohs are widely viewed as one of the favourites to go deep into the tournament.
Hassan also highlighted Salah’s habit of rediscovering his best form when representing his country. “Whenever his performances dip at club level, he comes back stronger with the national team,” the coach said. “He contributes goals, creates chances, and grows in confidence. Then he returns to his club even better. Winning this cup would help Egypt, and it would help Salah himself.”
After their opening match against Zimbabwe, Egypt will face South Africa and Angola in Group B. All three group-stage fixtures will be played in Agadir, as Morocco hosts the continent’s biggest football event.
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