Mohamed Salah row to rapprochement as Hossam Hassan softens stance | OneFootball

Hossam Hassan has shifted from admonishing Mohamed Salah to embracing him, the Egypt coach softening a hardline stance taken after he took charge in February 2024.

Following Salah’s dramatic media appearance and open conflict with Liverpool, Hassan posted a smiling training-ground photo and hailed him as a symbol of determination and strength. According to L'Équipe, the conciliatory message jarred with their icy start to 2024.

At the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, Salah injured a hamstring and flew back to England. Hassan reacted by saying he should stay at Liverpool until fully fit and that Egypt had men to do the job. Egypt later exited to DR Congo on penalties in the last 16.

Replacing Rui Vitoria, Hassan set strict standards, demanded equal treatment and said the national interest comes first, adding Salah was not yet an Egyptian legend and had not won for the country. During March friendlies against New Zealand and Croatia, Salah was summoned for checks, did not respond and was omitted.

By summer, Hassan dismissed talk of a rift, repeatedly praised Salah and even called him his clear 2025 Ballon d’Or pick. In October he described Salah as family, urged people not to stoke tension and said they are united by love of Egypt. With 62 international goals, Salah could soon surpass Hassan’s record of 68, and the coach has promised to celebrate it.

Source: L'Équipe