Key Takeaways:
- Egypt coach Hossam Hassan says Mohamed Salah’s focus for the AFCON is unaffected by his Liverpool troubles.
- Salah’s morale in training is high and the coach expects a strong tournament from the forward.
- Salah has helped Egypt reach the World Cup and now aims to secure a first AFCON title for himself.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has moved to calm concerns about Mohamed Salah’s form and focus ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, insisting the Liverpool forward remains fully committed to his national duties despite a turbulent spell at club level.
Mohamed Salah AFCON motivation and form
Hassan said Salah’s training demeanour suggested a player undistracted by recent headlines. “Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting out with the national team,” the coach told reporters, adding that the winger’s motivation appeared “very, very strong.”
The remarks come after Salah made headlines with a candid interview criticising Liverpool, and subsequent disciplinary action that saw him omitted from the squad that travelled to Milan for the Champions League fixture with Inter. He did, however, feature in Liverpool’s match against Brighton, leaving his longer-term future at Anfield uncertain.
Hassan’s public backing of Salah is significant for Egypt. At 33, Salah remains the nation’s talisman and a figure whose performances can shape the team’s fortunes. The coach described him as “one of the best players in the world” and pledged his full support as the side pursue a record-extending eighth AFCON crown.
Egypt arrive in Morocco with high expectations. While Salah has yet to lift the continental prize himself, he has twice helped take Egypt to the final, finishing as runner-up in 2017 and 2022. His goal contributions this year also played a part in securing Egypt’s place at the upcoming World Cup, underscoring his continued importance to the national side.
Hassan said the squad were focused on practical preparations rather than the noise around Salah’s club situation. “These things do not disrupt his focus,” he said, highlighting the professionalism the forward has shown in training sessions. The coach expects that focus to translate into tangible performances when the tournament begins.
The Egypt camp have used the pre-tournament period to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion around a midfield and attack shaped to maximise Salah’s strengths. Hassan has stressed a pragmatic approach: use Salah’s experience and finishing while improving the team’s defensive stability.
For Salah, personal history at international tournaments is now in sharp focus. Despite a glittering club career and a trophy-laden spell with Liverpool, the AFCON remains a missing honour in his résumé. Winning the tournament would not only add to his legacy but would also satisfy millions of Egyptian supporters who regard him as their leading sporting figure.
Hassan’s message to fans and the media is simple: trust the process. With Salah declaring his commitment to Egypt’s cause in training and the coach publicly affirming his support, the team head to Morocco with a blend of optimism and experience. Now the burden rests on the pitch, where results will ultimately decide whether this edition of the AFCON becomes the stage for Salah to finally lift the continental title.
