Coach Hassan denies Salah rift as Egypt eye historic World Cup win

Egypt's national football team coach, Hossam Hassan, has strongly refuted claims of internal discord surrounding talisman Mohamed Salah. He asserted that the squad is united and focused as they prepare for a critical World Cup match against New Zealand.

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Salah is an important player for our squad, and the 26 players who are here with me are very important.

Hassan addressed the media, dismissing rumors of unrest. "Salah is an important player for our squad, and the 26 players who are here with me are very important," he stated. He emphasized his professional approach to managing the team, ensuring no player is favored. Hassan described Salah as a disciplined player and a role model, highlighting his positive contributions to the team, whether he starts or is substituted.

"Rumours are being spread about stars, about players, about teams. But Salah is someone who is very disciplined," Hassan added. "He trains with us. He's the first player that would also say yes to my decisions as a technical director. So I think he will be very positive tomorrow."

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Every player who has worked with me knows I deal with them in a professional manner. I do not have favourites.

Both Egypt and New Zealand are entering the match with the shared goal of securing their first-ever World Cup victory. This encounter is crucial for their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. Egypt, appearing in their fourth World Cup finals, drew their opening match against Belgium, while New Zealand also drew their first game against Iran.

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Salah is a great player who helps his teammates. He has a lot of discipline and is a role model.

"We want to present something very positive," Hassan said, expressing the team's ambition. "We want to show that we have talent... We are representing all of these people and we really hope to perform."

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Rumours are being spread about stars, about players, about teams. But Salah is someone who is very disciplined.