Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has downplayed concerns over Mohamed Salah’s club situation, insisting the forward is focused and in high spirits as the Pharaohs kick off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco.
The seven-time champions open Group B against Zimbabwe, with Salah expected to lead the line despite recent turbulence at Liverpool.
The 33-year-old arrived at the tournament following a tense period in England, where he was omitted from several league matches. Hassan, however, says the episode has had no lasting impact on the striker’s morale.
“Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting with the national team. I believe he will have a great tournament for his country,” Hassan told reporters at Sunday’s pre-match press conference.
“His motivation is very strong. Salah is an icon, one of the best players in the world, and I support him in everything he does.”
Gossip News Now reports that Salah did not feature in Liverpool’s final five fixtures before travelling for AFCON. Tensions escalated after a Premier League draw at Leeds United, when he claimed to have been “thrown under the bus” by manager Arne Slot, sparking speculation about a possible January exit.
Hassan, however, insisted that Salah’s focus is entirely on Egypt’s campaign.
“I don’t consider what happened at his club to be a crisis. These things happen between players and coaches. We’ve been in contact with him from the start, and I met him when he joined the national team camp. His attention is completely on the tournament,” he said.
Salah is chasing his first AFCON title, aiming to lead Egypt to a record-extending eighth championship after near misses against Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal in 2022. His current form has also helped Egypt secure a place at the next World Cup.
“Whenever Salah struggles at his club, he regains strength with the national team, contributing to goals and performances, and returns to his club even stronger,” Hassan added.
“He needs to win this cup—for us and for himself.”
After facing Zimbabwe, Egypt will meet South Africa and Angola in Group B. All three of their first-round matches will be staged in Agadir as the tournament unfolds across Morocco.
