Egypt coach Hossam Hassan says Mohamed Salah is fully focused on AFCON, showing high morale despite uncertainty over his Liverpool future
EGYPT coach Hossam Hassan says Mohamed Salah is showing no signs of distraction from the uncertainty over his Liverpool future ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Hassan told reporters on Sunday that Salah’s morale in training is very high ahead of Egypt’s opening AFCON game against Zimbabwe in Agadir on Monday.
“I feel his motivation is very, very strong,” Hassan said.
“Salah is an icon and will remain so.”
The 33-year-old forward did not start any of Liverpool’s last five games before departing for the tournament in Morocco.
Tensions surfaced after a recent Premier League draw when Salah claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool coach Arne Slot.
Hassan dismissed the situation as a typical player-coach issue and not a crisis.
“We’ve been in contact with him by phone from the beginning, and I met with him when he joined the national team camp,” the coach added.
“His focus is entirely on the tournament.”
Salah is aiming to lead Egypt to a record-extending eighth AFCON title, having lost in the final in 2017 and 2022.
His goals this year have already helped Egypt qualify for the World Cup.
“Whenever Salah’s performances dip with his club, he regains his strength with the national team and becomes even better,” Hassan said.
“He needs to win the cup by helping us and by helping himself.”
Egypt will also face South Africa and Angola in Group B, with all three of their first-round games being played in Agadir.
