Egypt Coach Claims Salah Unaffected by Liverpool Drama Before AFCON Kickoff

Mohamed Salah appears unperturbed by the uncertainty over his Liverpool future as he gears up to captain Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations according to Pharaohs manager Hossam Hassan who spoke on Sunday.

"Salahs spirits during sessions are exceptionally elevated like a newcomer to the national side and I am confident he will shine in this competition for his nation," Hassan stated to journalists prior to Egypts initial AFCON match versus Zimbabwe in Agadir on Monday.

"His drive feels intensely powerful. Salah stands as a legend and always will. He ranks among the globes top talents and I back him fully in all his endeavours," Hassan continued.

Salah sat out the starting lineup in Liverpools final five fixtures before heading to the Nations Cup in Morocco with tensions peaking after the latest Premier League stalemate against Leeds United where he accused his Anfield boss Arne Slot of betraying him.

This hinted at a potential departure from the struggling Premier League title holders in the January transfer period.

"I do not view his situation as a major issue. Such conflicts between athletes and managers occur frequently," Hassan noted.

"We have kept in touch via calls since the outset and I spoke with him upon his arrival at the team base. His attention is solely on the event." 

At 33 years old Salah seeks to guide Egypt to an unprecedented eighth AFCON crown in Morocco. Though he has yet to claim the African prize he suffered final losses to Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal in 2022.

His strikes this season have secured Egypts World Cup qualification.

"When Salahs form wanes at his club he bounces back stronger with the country excelling more through assists or goals. Then he heads back to his team revitalised," Hassan remarked.

"He must secure the trophy by aiding us and aiding his own legacy."

In Group B Egypt will also encounter South Africa and Angola at the Nations Cup all three group stage encounters set for Agadir.