Egypt coach denies Salah rift before World Cup match against New Zealand

Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan has firmly denied any internal discord involving talisman Mohamed Salah ahead of a critical World Cup match against New Zealand. Hassan emphasized that Salah is a vital player for the squad and that all 26 players are equally important, asserting his professional and impartial treatment of everyone on the team.

“

Salah is an important player for our squad, and the 26 players who are here with me are very important. Every player who has worked with me knows I deal with them in a professional manner. I do not have favourites.

"Salah is an important player for our squad, and the 26 players who are here with me are very important," Hassan told reporters. "Every player who has worked with me knows I deal with them in a professional manner. I do not have favourites."

Salah, who scored nine goals during the qualifying campaign, was substituted in Egypt's opening 1-1 draw against Belgium. Hassan clarified that Salah, like any player, accepts his role, whether on the field or on the bench. "If he starts … or if he gets substituted, it’s fine. It is his role as a player. Everyone knows that I am working for the benefit of the team and the national side," he said.

“

If he starts … or if he gets substituted, it’s fine. It is his role as a player. Everyone knows that I am working for the benefit of the team and the national side.

The coach also addressed rumors circulating about players and teams, stating that Salah is disciplined and committed. "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."

“

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

Both Egypt and New Zealand are vying for their first-ever World Cup victory to advance in the tournament. New Zealand drew their opening match 2-2 with Iran, while Egypt also shared points in a 1-1 draw with Belgium, setting the stage for a pivotal Group G encounter.

“

We want to present something very positive. We want to show that we have talent, not as something new, but as something that the African national squads have always had as a tradition throughout generations of footballers in Africa, for us and for international football.