Mohamed Salah and his new boss, who criticized Liverpool’s choice, will have an uneasy reunion.
Having previously criticized star player Mohamed Salah for rejoining Liverpool during the competition, Hossam Hassan has been named Egypt’s new manager following their withdrawal from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Salah was hurt in the hamstring during Egypt’s group stage 2-2 draw with Ghana. He had to return to Liverpool for treatment, missing Egypt’s last 16 encounter against DR Congo as well as their penultimate group match against Cape Verde.
The 31-year-old’s chances of making it back for the later stages of the AFCON were dimmed when Egypt lost to DR Congo on penalties. Following their underwhelming performance, manager Rui Vitoria was fired, and Hassan was named as his replacement.
The 57-year-old, who leads Egypt’s scoring record all-time, criticized Salah for leaving the competition before there was a chance he could play again when commentating at the AFCON.
“If Salah feels he wants to travel, he should travel and not return to the national team again because the injury is not severe; he needs physiotherapy, which is available with the national team,” the three-time AFCON champion stated.
“Large facilities in Liverpool are not necessary for a hamstring strain. Top teams always send medical professionals and physical therapists to these competitions with their players, and Liverpool knows that they will send medical professionals to Salah in case he needs anything.
“Salah has tremendous worth and ought to stay on the national team in a morally and mentally sound manner. The fact that he can play whenever he wants hurts other teams, but his absence will hurt Egypt and benefit the opposition.”
Hassan continued by saying that Salah should not have bothered to return to AFCON if he had gone back to Liverpool for treatment if he had been in command of Egypt at the time. “If I were the Egypt manager and he told me his desire to travel to Liverpool, I would tell him to continue there, and we have capable men in the national team,” he said.
Salah is among the greatest players to have represented Egypt internationally, yet playing for the national team is forbidden for anyone. You play a big part from a technical and moral standpoint, even if your injury prevents you from playing.”
After that, Salah responded to his detractors on social media, posting: “I started the treatment and rehabilitation program yesterday, and I will do all in my power to be ready as soon as possible and rejoin the national team as we discussed from the start. I also adore her and her community. Make an effort more.”