Former Zamalek captain Mahmoud Abdel-Razek Shikabala has urged Hossam Hassan to step down as head coach of the Egyptian national team, arguing that the position requires a level of authority and respect that he believes is currently missing.
Shikabala made the remarks during a television appearance, sparking debate ahead of Egypt’s next international training camp and adding to the scrutiny surrounding Hassan’s leadership of the Pharaohs.
The former Egypt international was asked to offer advice to Hassan, who previously coached him during their time together at Zamalek. However, rather than discussing football matters or the team’s preparations, Shikabala delivered a blunt message, suggesting that the national team manager should consider leaving his position.
Speaking on MBC Egypt 2, Shikabala said: “I advise him to resign and leave his position because the coach of the Egyptian national team must have prestige among his players.”
He went further in explaining his position, insisting that the situation surrounding Hassan was unlike anything he had previously witnessed involving an Egypt manager.
“This is the first time I’ve seen this uproar about the Egyptian national team coach, and therefore I advise Hossam Hassan to resign. This matter has nothing to do with football.”
His comments come at a sensitive time for Hassan, whose position has attracted attention amid developments surrounding his personal life and growing public discussion about his leadership.
Hassan’s record since taking charge of Egypt
Hassan was appointed Egypt head coach in February 2024 and has since overseen several important achievements with the national side.
Under his leadership, the Pharaohs reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt also progressed beyond the group stage at the most recent World Cup, recording its first-ever victory in the history of the competition.
Despite those accomplishments, Shikabala’s intervention has brought renewed attention to the atmosphere surrounding the national team coach.
Hassan has also been dealing with difficult circumstances in his personal life following his separation from his first wife, Howaida El-Gharbawi, and his second wife, Dan Adam. These developments came weeks after a heated disagreement involving members of his family in the North Coast region.
Shikabala, however, made clear that his criticism was not about football, focusing instead on the authority and standing he believes should come with managing Egypt’s national team.
Egypt prepare for Malawi double-header
Meanwhile, Hassan is preparing to announce his squad for Egypt’s upcoming two matches against Malawi in the third and fourth rounds of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Pharaohs will enter the fixtures looking to strengthen their position at the top of Group B after collecting four points from their opening two matches.
Egypt began their qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola at Cairo Stadium before producing an emphatic 5-0 victory away against South Sudan.
Those results have placed Egypt at the summit of the group, ahead of Angola on goal difference.
Malawi occupy third position with three points, while South Sudan remain bottom without a point.
With two further qualifying matches approaching, Hassan’s immediate task is to select his squad and maintain Egypt’s positive position in the race for a place at the 2027 tournament.
However, Shikabala’s public call for his former coach to resign has introduced another talking point ahead of the Pharaohs’ preparations.
