Mohamed Salah‘s Liverpool future may be up in the air, but Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has played down talks of a “crisis” with him.
It has been comfortably Salah’s most tumultuous season for the Reds, having been dropped by Arne Slot, prior to a fiery interview earlier this month.
The 33-year-old is now representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, with a change of scene arguably best for both him and Liverpool.
Speaking to reporters, Egypt boss Hassan rubbished claims of a “crisis” involving Salah, with his focus at AFCON unquestioned.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Saturday December 13, 2025.
“I don’t consider what happened to him to be a crisis. These things often happen between players and coaches,” Hassan said.
“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.
“Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting out with the national team, and I believe he will have a great tournament with his country.
“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.”
Egypt’s AFCON fixtures on Channel 4
Egypt vs. Zimbabwe – 8pm, Dec 22 – 4Seven / Streaming
Egypt vs. South Africa – 3pm, Dec 26 – Channel 4
Angola vs. Egypt – 4pm, Dec 29 – 4Seven / Streaming
Hassan also claimed that he expects Salah to return to Liverpool better than ever, adding:
“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 needs to win the cup by helping us and by helping himself.”
What version of Salah will return to Liverpool?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah tapping the badge after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There is still no guarantee that Salah will be at Liverpool past the January transfer window, but it arguably feels more likely that he will be, having had clear-the-air talks with Slot and apologised to the squad.
The Egyptian has a history of returning from AFCON tired and far from his best, however, which the Reds could do without next month.
Salah has fallen way below the world-class level he has been renowned for since arriving in 2017, and Liverpool badly need a reinvigorated figure back at Anfield.
A successful tournament with Egypt may help in that respect, but supporters will be happy to see him return sooner rather than later.