Egypt boss Hossam Hassan says he will stand by Mohamed Salah, whatever decision the Liverpool star makes over his long-term future
Mohamed Salah and Head Coach Hossam Hassan participate in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025, match number 61 between Egypt and Mauritania, at Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on October 11, 2024. (Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah and Egypt coach Hossam Hassan during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania in Cairo on October 11 2024
Egypt boss Hossam Hassan says he will stand by Mohamed Salah - whatever decision the Liverpool star makes over his long-term future. Hossam has described the Premier League's top scorer as the nation's "finest ambassador".
Despite a blistering campaign that has seen him score 32 times in all competitions, Salah will be a free agent at the end of the season as things stand, having failed to agree new terms so far at Anfield.
Speculation continues over what is next for the 32-year-old, as the club's hierarchy continue to try and tie down a player who is now the third highest scorer of all time for the Reds to a fresh deal, but Hassan says he will support his captain regardless.
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And the Pharaohs national team boss has also challenged Salah to inspire the side to Africa Cup of Nations glory when it gets underway in Morocco in late December, saying it would be a fitting reward for the Liverpool forward's brilliance.
“I will be the first to support and stand by Salah in any decision he makes [on his future]," Hassan said. "I know it’s not an easy situation, but he is a great player who will handle it well. I wish him success wherever he goes - he is Egypt’s finest ambassador.
“It’s time for Salah to lift the Africa Cup of Nations - he deserves it. The competition is tough, but Egypt is capable of winning the title.
“Mo is a great player who fully deserves his status. Having him with us is fantastic. Everyone in the national team, led by Salah, is giving their all to fulfill the dreams of the Egyptian people, who count on their stars to win the title and qualify for the World Cup.
“Of course, he (Omar Marmoush) and Mo Salah will face significant challenges in the Africa Cup of Nations due to the pressure, but they have become more experienced and skilled in handling these pressures.”