Damage Control: Hossam Hassan clarifies controversial national team comments

Egypt national manager Hossam Hassan has publicly dismissed rumours of a fallout with captain Mohamed Salah, confirming that the forward's absence against South Sudan is a pre agreed medical precaution.

Speaking during a press conference on Monday, Hassan also took the opportunity to clarify recent controversial remarks regarding Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

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Addressing the Salah substitution rumours

Speculation regarding internal squad unrest intensified after Salah was substituted in the 61st minute of Egypt's draw against Angola, followed by his subsequent departure from the camp ahead of the South Sudan fixture.

However, Hassan strongly denied any conflict, explaining that the decision was made strictly to protect the Liverpool veteran from the hazards of playing on a synthetic pitch.

"I respect all players, led by Mohamed Salah. He is an important, influential and essential player for the team and one of the most important players in the world but we preferred to rest him because of the artificial turf" Hassan explained to reporters.

The manager revealed that the arrangement was not a sudden reaction to the Angola match but rather a planned strategy.

"He had spoken with me about the matter before the Angola match, and we agreed on it... We need him in the upcoming matches and the safety of any player is my top priority, and my trust in all the players is immense" Hassan added.

Clarifying the El Shenawy situation

Hassan also used the media briefing to de-escalate tensions surrounding his previous comments about Al Ahly SC goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

The manager's earlier statements were interpreted by some in the Egyptian sports media as a dismissal of the veteran shot-stopper's abilities but Hassan insisted his words were taken out of context.

"My comments about Mohamed El Shenawy were misunderstood... I respect everyone. I said that El Shenawy was injured in the shoulder at the time and I did not mean to belittle anyone, they are all my brothers and sons" Hassan clarified.

Reaffirming his faith in his squad's established leaders, Hassan concluded:

"El Shenawy is one of the players who have been loyal to the national team and we trust him and all the goalkeepers. All appreciation goes to the senior players like Mohamed Hany, those who are present and those who are absent"

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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