Egypt captain Mohamed Salah has set aside his Liverpool troubles to focus on Africa Cup of Nations success with his national team, coach Hossam Hassan said. The 33-year-old star is primed for Egypt's opening Group B match against Zimbabwe in Agadir, Morocco, following a recent fallout at his club.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt's iconic forward, is preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, shifting his focus from recent tensions at Liverpool. Coach Hossam Hassan said on Sunday that Salah's morale is high in training, as if he had just joined the national team. "Salah’s morale in training is very high, and I believe he will have a great tournament with his country," Hassan added.
At 33, Salah views this as his last chance to win an AFCON trophy and add international honors to his extensive club achievements. He was runner-up twice, in 2017 and 2021, and Egypt holds a record seven titles, the last in 2010. Hassan supports him technically and morally: "I believe Salah will be among the best players and remain an icon. We cannot forget that Salah needs to win the Africa Cup of Nations."
The Liverpool controversy began after Salah's last start in a 4-1 home loss to PSV Eindhoven at the end of November. He was dropped for the next game against West Ham and, following a draw with Leeds on December 6, lashed out at the club and coach Arne Slot, saying he felt scapegoated for their poor season start. He later apologized to teammates.
Hassan maintained constant communication: "There was constant communication during what I don’t want to call a crisis, because any player can have a difference of opinion with his coach." Salah has not scored since Liverpool's 2-0 win over Aston Villa at the start of November, including an outing in a friendly against Uzbekistan. Yet Hassan believes the national team will help him recover, as it did before.
Egypt faces Zimbabwe in Agadir on Monday, where Salah's form remains unaffected.
