Hossam Hassan Backpedals Amid Egypt Media Storm Following Mohamed Salah's Early Departure

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan entered full damage control mode on Monday while addressing reporters ahead of the Pharaohs’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan. Hassan retracted many of the remarks that drew intense criticism from fans, pundits, and his own players over the previous week.

Just two months after receiving a hero’s welcome alongside the Egyptian squad following a historic run to the last-16 at the 2026 World Cup, Hassan endured a turbulent four-day media storm. This followed ill-advised press conference comments, a sub-par 0-0 performance against Angola, and the surprising departure of Mohamed Salah from the training camp.

At his pre-match press conference in Cairo on Thursday before the Angola fixture, Hassan was questioned about the absence of Mohamed El Shenawy, the Al Ahly goalkeeper and national team captain. Hassan took issue with the questioning and implied that El Shenawy’s career was once "finished" before being revived through the national team. These remarks offended many, considering El Shenawy has earned 76 caps and served as Egypt's first-choice goalkeeper for years before Mostafa Shobeir emerged this summer.

Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abou Rida and Al Ahly both issued statements supporting El Shenawy following the press conference. Further public ire was sparked by Hassan's criticism of the Egyptian Premier League, the domestic competition that supplies roughly 90 per cent of the national team squad.

The controversy intensified when Egypt was held to a goalless draw at Cairo International Stadium in a homecoming match where Hassan substituted Mohamed Salah in the 60th minute, later citing "technical reasons." The next morning, news broke that Mohamed Salah had left the national team camp despite remaining fixtures, including an Afcon qualifier against South Sudan in Juba and a friendly against South Africa back in Cairo.

Following Mohamed Salah's departure, the EFA stated it was a prearranged decision to protect the Trabzonspor star from potential injury on South Sudan's artificial pitch. However, insiders reported the exit stemmed from team unrest caused by Hassan's actions. Pundits and former players, including Mido, Shikabala, and Hazem Emam, sharply criticized Hassan's comments and tactical choices, while TV host Amr Adib remarked that Hassan shifted from a "national hero to national problem" within 48 hours.

On Monday in Juba, Hassan clarified his statements, insisting his comments on Mohamed El Shenawy were misinterpreted and that Mohamed Salah's departure was prearranged due to artificial turf concerns. With his twin brother and national team director Ibrahim Hassan, Hassan has renewed his contract until 2030, and a victory against South Sudan is crucial to quieting the mounting pressure.