Egypt Coach Confident Mohamed Salah Will Shine At AFCON Despite Liverpool 'Crisis'

Last Updated:December 21, 2025, 18:14 IST

Mohamed Salah, backed by Hossam Hassan, is focused on leading Egypt at AFCON in Morocco despite Liverpool uncertainty, aiming for an eighth title after past runner-up finishes.

Mohamed Salah's focus unshaken for Egypt at AFCON amid Liverpool exit speculation (AP)

Mohamed Salah is not letting the uncertainty about his Liverpool future affect his preparation for leading Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations, according to Pharaohs coach Hossam Hassan.

“Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting out with the national team, and I believe he will have a great tournament with his country," Hassan told reporters ahead of Egypt’s opening AFCON game against Zimbabwe in Agadir on Monday.

“I feel his motivation is very, very strong. Salah is an icon and will remain so. He is one of the best players in the world, and I support him in everything he does," Hassan added.

Salah did not start any of Liverpool’s last five matches before leaving for the Cup of Nations in Morocco. Tensions peaked after the recent Premier League draw with Leeds United, when he claimed his Anfield coach Arne Slot had “thrown him under the bus."

This situation suggested that a move away from the struggling Premier League champions during the January transfer window was a real possibility.

“I don’t consider what happened to him to be a crisis. These things often happen between players and coaches," Hassan added.

“We’ve been in contact with him by phone from the beginning, and I met with him when he joined the national team camp. His focus is entirely on the tournament."

Can Salah Finally Win AFCON?

At 33, Salah is aiming to lead Egypt to a record-extending eighth AFCON title in Morocco. Despite never having won the continental title, he has twice finished as runner-up, losing to Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal in 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, whether by contributing to goals or scoring himself. Then he returns to his club even stronger," Hassan added.

“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 their first-round games being played in Agadir.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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