Egypt Coach: I may be the best at using Salah; we must fight to top the group

After leading Egypt to victory over New Zealand, coach Hassan was interviewed.

First, what would you like to say to Egyptian fans?

Hassan: First, I want to greet all Egyptian people. I love you all very much. During this period, whether it was me, the coaching staff, or the players, our thoughts and concerns have always been with the Egyptian people—whether it's the fans supporting us at the stadium or Egyptians around the world staying up late to watch the matches, whether elderly, children, women, or young people. We all hope to bring you joy.

At halftime, I told the players we cannot disappoint the Egyptian people; we cannot betray their trust. I told them we would not leave the field with a loss and that we must fight for those who support us.

I want to tell all Egyptians: you deserve all this joy. Egyptian football deserves this moment. For many years, we have had excellent players and a great generation, but they didn't get the development opportunities they deserved. This current generation of players, who could have also been overlooked like those talented players of the past, persevered.

After this match, what do you want to express most?

Hassan: I want to thank all the players. They showed tenacious fighting spirit and a strong sense of responsibility. We have always emphasized that we must carefully study our opponents, fight with all our might, and compete until the very last moment, regardless of which minute it is.

I'm very happy the players came from behind and scored three wonderful goals. Of course, we faced a very strong team with excellent physicality, mature tactics, and outstanding individual abilities. The match was by no means easy. New Zealand has an excellent head coach and is a well-organized team.

But the Egyptian players surpassed themselves today and ultimately achieved victory.

All of Egypt is celebrating this victory, and President Sisi has also congratulated the team. How do you view the ever-increasing expectations from outside?

Hassan: First, thank you very much for your support. Both as players and coaches, Ibrahim and I have always hoped to bring happiness to the Egyptian people. Since childhood, our biggest dream has been to play for the national team and bring glory to our country.

Looking ahead, we will continue working diligently. We will carefully prepare for every match and study every opponent. As for how far we can go, I'm not willing to make promises in advance, but I can guarantee we will do our best to live up to everyone's trust.

What exactly did you tell the players at halftime? Why did the team look like two different teams in the second half?

Hassan: I told them we cannot disappoint the country, and we cannot disappoint the fans at the stadium and the Egyptian people watching on TV.

In the first half, we didn't execute our pre-match plan well. Whether it was pressing, defending, or possession, none met our requirements. We lost possession too easily, and the opponent scored from a set piece, which particularly angered me because set-piece defense was precisely what we focused on practicing before the match.

Every day we study our opponents, including their set-piece routines, attacking methods, and defensive characteristics. That goal was completely avoidable for us.

At halftime, I helped the players refocus and made tactical adjustments. Beyond substitutions, I also made positional changes on the field to restore the team to its proper rhythm.

Salah's positional adjustment seemed to change the course of the match. Was this a pre-match plan or a decision made during the match?

Hassan: Actually, this was a plan I prepared long ago. I believe I may be the first coach to put Salah in his current position, because this position suits him best at this stage and maximizes his threat.

Salah is a very intelligent player and can play in multiple positions. We also have players like Hamza and Marmoush, who are highly adaptable.

During the match, I had already prepared several tactical adjustment plans. Before making official substitutions, the team had actually completed formation and positional changes.

Did Hamdi Fathi's injury disrupt your deployment?

Hassan: No, not really. Even if Hamdi hadn't been injured, I would have made adjustments according to the original plan.

At that time, I moved Abdelmaguid back to defensive midfield—not to play with five defenders, but to use his height and physical strength to limit New Zealand's aerial attacks.

New Zealand's tactical approach is very clear: they consistently target their No. 9 with long balls, and then supporting players complete the move. I needed to increase aerial dominance in midfield.

Later, even with injuries, I maintained the four-defender system and didn't retreat defensively.

You once said coaching the Egyptian national team was a dream. Now that it has come true, what does this experience mean to you?

Hassan: Coaching the Egyptian national team is a great honor. In the past, we always dreamed of being in this position one day, but football doesn't always go the way you want.

When the national team extended the invitation, the team was at a critical juncture. We had to undergo generational change while maintaining the team's performance.

This wasn't an easy task, because many veteran players had made great contributions to the national team. But without renewal, the team cannot gain new vitality.

We boldly introduced many new players. Today, roughly three-quarters of the national team are different from before. Many young players got important opportunities for the first time and proved their worth with their performances.

I never choose players based on which club they represent; I only consider one criterion—who is best suited to represent Egypt.

What did you say to the players after the match? Have you already begun preparing for the crucial match against Iran?

Hassan: Frankly, I didn't say much after the match.

Because I believe the players deserve to first enjoy this victory. Such moments are rare, and they have the right to celebrate.

After we rest, we'll immediately start studying the Iranian team. We'll watch match videos, analyze their tactical characteristics, and formulate targeted plans.

Iran is a very strong team and showed a high level against Belgium. The upcoming match will be very difficult, but we will be ready.

Many Egyptian fans traveled from across the United States and Canada to support the team. What would you like to say to them?

Hassan: I think the answer is simple: because we are all Egyptians.

Egyptians always create miracles. The enthusiasm and order shown by the fans today not only made us proud but also earned praise from FIFA and the local organizers.

They showed the world the best side of the Egyptian people.

I want to thank all the fans who support us. It is their presence that gives us such strength. I hope we will not disappoint them in the future.

Finally, what promise do you want to make to the Egyptian people?

Hassan: I promise the Egyptian people that I will never be lazy and will never give up. We must strive to finish top of our group.

Football matches have wins and losses; no one can guarantee winning every match. But what I can guarantee is that we will do our best to prepare everything, carefully study every detail, and fight with all our might to achieve the best result.

I also want to express special thanks to President Sisi for his congratulations to the national team. Recognition from the country's leader means a great deal to us.

I promise the President and the Egyptian people that we will continue to work hard and bring glory to our country. Regardless of the outcome, we will fight for the Egyptian emblem on our chest until the very last moment.

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