Rabat, Morocco – Hossam Hassan, the coach of the Egyptian national team, confirmed that the Pharaohs’ players are in a state of high focus and strong ambition to achieve victory against Benin and make the Egyptian fans happy.
Hossam Hassan said in the pre-match press conference: “All respect and appreciation to the Benin national team, and any team that reaches this stage is definitely a strong team.”
Hassan pointed out the readiness of the Egyptian players, stressing that all the players are motivated, with the exception of Mohannad Lashin, who was unable to participate fully in the preparations due to injury.
He added: “We followed the Benin national team in most of their matches.. but we are the Egyptian national team and we are ready to win”.
Hossam Hassan praised Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, describing him as one of the best players in the world and a key pillar of the national team, saying: “Salah is capable of making a difference. He has great ambition to leave his mark on the Egyptian national team, and he can score goals and achieve important objectives.”
The coach also highlighted the ability of both Trezeguet and Marmoush to play in more than one position, which gives the team a great advantage by not relying on just one player to score goals.
Hossam Hassan confirmed that the national team’s preparations for the match against Benin included studying the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team. He said, “There was enough time to work on every detail. We don’t underestimate any team, and the professionalism of our players in Europe has helped all teams develop. Benin is a tough team; they’ve previously reached the World Cup playoffs, and the match will be as difficult for us as it is for them.”
He added: “We will face Benin as if it were the Africa Cup of Nations final”.
Regarding dealing with pressure and public expectations, Hassan stressed that he always puts himself in the team’s shoes and takes things positively. He said: “I know what it means to be a national team; everyone loves football and their national team. The coach has to focus on the pitch and the reasons behind it, and I deal with things positively, not negatively.”
Hossam Hassan responds to rumors regarding the Egyptian national team
The technical director pointed out that the team closed any doors to rumors related to the players or special invitations and invitations, saying: “Thank God, our country is sufficient for its national team. We are more than accustomed to rumors, but we have completely closed ourselves off and our goal is to make the Egyptian people happy.”
Hossam Hassan confirmed that all the goalkeepers, led by El Shenawy, are ready, with his full confidence in their performance.
He added that the group stage gave the team many gains, most notably the participation of 26 players in the matches: “This helped us to give everyone a chance to participate and build the required harmony within the team”.
