Salah Focused on AFCON Despite Liverpool Uncertainty, Says Egypt Coach

Mohamed Salah has shown no signs of being distracted by the uncertainty surrounding his future at Liverpool as he prepares to lead Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. According to Pharaohs head coach Hossam Hassan, the forward’s mindset and commitment in camp have been exemplary as Egypt gears up for their opening match against Zimbabwe in Agadir.

“Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting with the national team, and I believe he will have a great tournament with his country,” Hassan said while addressing the media ahead of the Group B opener. His remarks point to a player fully engaged with national duty despite intense scrutiny back in England.

Hassan went further to underline Salah’s leadership and stature within the squad. “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,” he added. Those words reflect the central role Salah continues to play for Egypt, not just as a goal scorer but as a symbol of belief for teammates and fans.

How is Salah handling Liverpool tensions before AFCON?

Salah’s arrival at the tournament followed a turbulent period at Liverpool. The 33-year-old did not start any of the club’s last five matches before leaving for AFCON, a situation that escalated after a Premier League draw with Leeds United. Following that game, Salah stated he had been “thrown under the bus” by Liverpool coach Arne Slot, comments that fueled speculation about a possible January transfer.

Despite the headlines, Hassan dismissed the situation as routine in elite football. “I don’t consider what happened to him to be a crisis. These things often happen between players and coaches,” he said. The Egypt coach also confirmed regular communication with Salah before and after he joined the national camp. “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.”

For Egypt, that focus could prove decisive. Salah’s presence brings experience and expectation, especially given his history at the competition. He has reached two AFCON finals with Egypt but fell short both times, losing to Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal in 2022.

What does AFCON mean for Salah and Egypt this year?

This tournament offers Salah another chance to rewrite that story. Egypt are chasing a record extending eighth AFCON title, and the forward remains determined to add the missing trophy to his career. His form over the past year has already helped Egypt secure qualification for the upcoming World Cup, reinforcing his influence on the international stage.

Hassan believes Salah often finds renewed energy with the national team. “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,” he said. The coach was clear about what success would mean. “He needs to win the cup by helping us and by helping himself.”

Egypt’s group stage schedule keeps them based in Agadir, where they will also face South Africa and Angola. With all first-round matches in one location, preparation and recovery become easier, a factor that could benefit a squad built around an experienced core.

As Egypt begins their AFCON campaign, Salah’s calm approach and visible motivation suggest a player determined to let his football speak, leaving club uncertainty behind and placing national ambition firmly at the forefront.

By Yockshard Enyendi