Egypt national team manager Ibrahim Hassan has addressed the recent dispute between the Pharaohs’ coaching staff and the Egyptian Football Association, while confirming that Hamdi Fathi will miss the team’s next training camp through injury.
The Egyptian national team are preparing for two matches on 13 and 17 November as they continue their qualifying campaign for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Tensions had emerged between head coach Hossam Hassan, his brother Ibrahim and Egyptian Football Association vice-president Khaled El-Darandaly during the team’s recent trip to South Sudan. However, the disagreement has since been resolved following a meeting involving the parties and association president Hani Abu Rida.
Speaking about the incident, Ibrahim Hassan described the situation as a misunderstanding that had been settled through discussions between the two sides.
“There was a misunderstanding and different points of view, but we held a brotherly meeting with Hani Abu Rida and Khaled El-Darandaly, and it was a friendly and calm meeting between the officials of the Egyptian national team and the Football Association, as we are accustomed to during the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations.”
Despite confirming that the dispute had been resolved, the national team manager expressed frustration with what he believes are attempts to create instability around the squad.
Ibrahim Hassan calls for stability
Speaking on ON Sport, Hassan accused some individuals of undermining the atmosphere surrounding the national team following its recent performances.
“Some were angry about the successes of the Egyptian national team, and do not want stability within the team, and are conveying incorrect messages.”
He explained that the coaching staff and federation officials had not held a joint meeting since before Egypt’s match against Angola, adding that their latest discussions quickly brought an end to the disagreement.
“We hadn’t sat down together with the football federation officials since before the Angola match, and when we met we spoke calmly, and in a few minutes things were fine.”
Hassan also outlined Egypt’s immediate objectives ahead of the November international break, insisting that the priority was to secure victories and maintain their progress towards qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We are preparing for the two matches against Malawi during the November break, and we are thinking practically. We want to win the upcoming matches in order to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.”
However, the manager confirmed that Al-Wakrah midfielder Hamdi Fathi would be unavailable for the upcoming training camp because of an injury.
Hassan explains Egypt’s selection policy
The national team manager also addressed the criteria used to select players, stressing that every footballer has an opportunity to earn a place in the squad.
According to Hassan, performances on the pitch and commitment in training remain the main considerations when the coaching staff assesses potential selections.
He added that the technical team was open to introducing younger players and new faces, while recognising that mistakes were part of the game.
Hassan said the coaching staff’s approach was to support players, help them improve and provide opportunities for them to establish themselves in the national team.
Mohamed El Shenawy and Mohamed Salah addressed
Hassan also defended Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, praising his contribution to the Egyptian national team and the experience he has gained throughout his career.
He suggested that some people deliberately focus on particular remarks or remove comments from their original context to generate controversy and attract public attention.
The manager also responded to reports suggesting that he could travel to Türkiye to watch Mohamed Salah in action for Trabzonspor.
Hassan acknowledged that he had heard the reports but said no official arrangements had been made for such a trip.
He explained that the coaching staff would welcome opportunities to watch Egypt’s professional players in action, whether at Trabzonspor or another club, whenever circumstances allowed.
The proposed visit would form part of the staff’s efforts to follow Egyptian players competing abroad, although Hassan made clear that the reported travel plans had not yet been finalised.
With the November fixtures approaching, Egypt’s immediate focus remains on preparations for the upcoming matches, managing injuries and maintaining stability within the national team setup.
