Egypt coach Hossam Hassan faces backlash over criticism of domestic league

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan is facing growing criticism after questioning the technical quality of the Egyptian Premier League and suggesting that no club or player in the competition currently meets the standard required to improve the national team.

Hassan made the comments ahead of Egypt’s goalless draw with Angola, with his remarks attracting significant attention because a large number of his squad members are based in the domestic league.

Around 15 players in Egypt’s current squad are locally based, including footballers from leading clubs such as Al Ahly, Zamalek and league leaders Pyramids FC.

Hassan’s comments came alongside criticism of some of his players, including Al Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

The former Egypt striker reportedly described El Shenawy as being “finished” at one stage, adding to the controversy surrounding his pre-match comments.

However, it was his assessment of the Egyptian Premier League that generated perhaps the strongest reaction.

Hassan said he wanted the domestic competition to improve and challenged critics to identify a club or player in the league who could make a significant contribution to the national team.

“I wish that the domestic league becomes strong. Looking at the league, do you see any team or any club in the league that has a good technical level? Name one star or one team from the league that you believe can add value or improve the level of the national team,” Hassan said, according to The National.

The 59-year-old coach argued that players should be developing at their clubs before joining the national team, rather than relying on international camps to improve their performances.

“Players come to us [at the national team], they improve, and then they return to their clubs. What’s supposed to happen is that they improve at their clubs and they come to us ready and in good shape. So we are truly suffering,” he said.

Hassan also called on the country’s leading clubs to raise their standards, particularly in terms of technical development and physical preparation.

“I hope that all the big and respected clubs in the league can play football at a higher level and can increase the physical conditioning of the players,” he added.

“Because that will ultimately help the national team. Because I don’t have enough time with the players.”

Hassan’s remarks have sparked debate in Egyptian football, particularly because several of the players he works with at international level spend most of their time competing in the domestic league.

The comments also place greater focus on the relationship between the national team and Egypt’s leading clubs, with Hassan making it clear that he believes improved domestic standards would directly benefit the national side.