Liverpool Turmoil Fails to Distract Salah Ahead of AFCON Opener

Mohamed Salah remains fully focused on leading Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations despite uncertainty surrounding his future at Liverpool, according to Pharaohs head coach Hossam Hassan.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday ahead of Egypt’s AFCON Group B opener against Zimbabwe in Agadir on Monday, Hassan insisted the Liverpool forward has shown no signs of distraction in camp.

“Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting out with the national team,” Hassan said. “I believe he will have a great tournament with his country.”

The Egypt coach was quick to dismiss suggestions that the ongoing situation at Liverpool could affect Salah’s performances, praising the 33-year-old’s mentality and leadership.

“I feel his motivation is very strong. Salah is an icon and will remain so. He is one of the best players in the world, and I support him in everything he does,” Hassan added.

Salah did not start any of Liverpool’s final five matches before departing for the tournament in Morocco. Tensions reportedly escalated following the Premier League draw against Leeds United, when the forward claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” by Anfield boss Arne Slot.

The comments fuelled speculation that Salah could be set for a January move away from the reigning Premier League champions, who have endured a turbulent campaign.

However, Hassan played down the issue, describing it as a normal part of football.

“I don’t consider what happened to him to be a crisis. These things often happen between players and coaches,” he said.

Salah is chasing his first AFCON title after suffering final defeats with Egypt against Cameroon in 2017 and Senegal in 2022. He now hopes to guide the Pharaohs to a record-extending eighth continental crown.

The Liverpool star has already been instrumental in Egypt’s successful World Cup qualification campaign this year, and Hassan believes national duty often brings out the best in him.

“Whenever Salah’s performances dip with his club, he regains his strength with the national team and becomes even better — whether by scoring or creating goals. He then returns to his club even stronger,” the coach noted.

Egypt will also face South Africa and Angola in Group B, with all three of their group-stage matches set to be played in Agadir.