Mo Salah faces awkward reunion with new manager who slammed Liverpool decision

07 February 2024 , 10:10

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Egypt's new manager has previously criticised star man Mohamed Salah (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Hossam Hassan has been named Egypt's new manager following their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) exit, having previously criticised star man Mohamed Salah for returning to Liverpool during the tournament.

Salah suffered a hamstring injury in Egypt's 2-2 draw against Ghana in the group stage and missed their final group match against Cape Verde and their last 16 tie against DR Congo as he travelled back to Liverpool for treatment.

There were suggestions the 31-year-old could be back for the latter stages of AFCON, but those hopes were dashed when Egypt were beaten on penalties by DR Congo. As a result of their disappointing showing, manager Rui Vitoria has been sacked and Hassan has been appointed as his replacement.

The 57-year-old is Egypt's all-time leading goalscorer and while working as a pundit during AFCON, he was critical of Salah for not remaining at the tournament while there was a chance he could return to action.

"If Salah feels he wants to travel, he should travel and not return to the national team again because the injury is not severe; he needs physiotherapy which is available with the national team," the three-time AFCON winner said.

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"A hamstring injury does not require extensive facilities in Liverpool. Big clubs always send doctors and physical therapists with top players to these tournaments, and in Liverpool, they know if Salah needs something, they will send doctors to him.

"Salah, with his great value, should continue with the national team both morally and psychologically. It affects other teams that he can participate at any time, but his departure will affect Egypt negatively and the opponents positively."

Hassan also went on to say that if he was in charge of Egypt at the time, he would have told Salah not to bother returning to AFCON if he went back to Liverpool for treatment. "If I was the Egypt manager and he told me his desire to travel to Liverpool, I would tell him to continue there, and we have capable men in the national team," he added.

Hossam Hassan has replaced Rui Vitoria as Egypt boss after they were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations (MOHAMED EL-SHAHED/AFP via Getty Images)

"Salah is one of the best individuals who have achieved accomplishments for Egypt globally, but the national team is a red line for anyone. Even if you are injured and cannot play, you have a significant role from both a technical and moral perspective."

Salah then hit back at his critics on social media, writing: "Yesterday I started the treatment and rehabilitation program and I will do everything possible to be ready as soon as possible and return to the national team as agreed from the beginning.... I also love her and her people. Try harder."

It remains to be seen what Salah's reaction to Hassan's appointment is, but fans will be hoping they can get on the same page ahead of the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 World Cup.

Matthew Cooper