Egypt coach denies Salah rift before World Cup match against New Zealand

Egypt's coach Hossam Hassan denied reports of a rift with star player Mohamed Salah ahead of their World Cup match against New Zealand on March 22, 2024. Hassan stated that Salah's role as a player, whether starting or being substituted, is acceptable and part of his contribution to the team. This statement comes amid speculation that Salah was unhappy with his substitution in a previous friendly match against Tunisia on March 18, 2024. Hassan emphasized that the entire squad is focused on their upcoming tournament opener and that any individual concerns are secondary to the team's collective goals. He further clarified that Salah remains a vital part of the Egyptian national team's strategy and that his commitment is unquestioned. The coach's remarks aim to quell internal distractions and foster a unified front as Egypt prepares for its first World Cup appearance in 12 years.