Egypt coach Hossam Hassan dismissed reports of a rift with Mohamed Salah after the former Liverpool winger was substituted in the side’s World Cup opener.
Salah provided an assist for Emam Ashour in Egypt’s first group stage game against Belgium, before he was replaced in the 76th minute by highly rated teenager Hamza Abdelkarim, who plays for Barcelona.
The decision to take off the national side’s talisman and captain, with the game finely poised at 1-1, raised eyebrows in some quarters and has led to rumours of a falling-out between coach and player.
But Hassan denied any talk of issues within the squad as they prepare to face New Zealand at BC Place on Sunday.
He said: “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 a great player who helps his teammates. He has a lot of discipline and is a role model.
“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.
“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.”
Salah scored nine goals as Egypt qualified for the World Cup finals for the fourth time, with his side now looking for their maiden World Cup win.
After Egypt and Belgium drew and New Zealand and Iran also shared the spoils in a 2-2 opening game, the qualifying spots from Group G hang in the balance, with each side on one point.
Hassan added: “We drew in the first match and we want to win and secure these points. This is our ambition for tomorrow, this is the ambition of the Egyptian people, for Egyptian football and for African football as well. We are representing all of these people and we really hope to perform.”
Additional reporting by Reuters
