Egypt legend Gamal Abdel Hamid criticises Hossam Hassan over Salah treatment

Former Egypt and Zamalek striker Gamal Abdel Hamid has criticised national team coach Hossam Hassan over his handling of Mohamed Salah and his approach to media duties.

Abdel Hamid said Liverpool forward Salah has earned a special status through his achievements at the highest level and should be treated accordingly by the Pharaohs.

Speaking on the Defender programme on Al Shams channel, Abdel Hamid said: “Mohamed Salah is an icon in the world and deserves special treatment, and it is not permissible to say that he left due to technical reasons.”

Abdel Hamid defends Salah’s status

The former Egypt international also questioned comments suggesting that the national team should not depend on Salah, arguing that the Liverpool captain’s importance should not be downplayed.

“It is not permissible for Hossam Hassan to say about Mohamed Salah that we have 120 million and the Egyptian national team does not depend on anyone.”

Abdel Hamid’s comments come amid wider discussion around Salah’s role with the Egyptian national team and the way the captain has been handled.

Criticism of Hossam Hassan

Abdel Hamid also took aim at Hossam Hassan’s communication, saying the coach’s football knowledge was not matched by his approach when speaking publicly.

“Hossam Hassan is lucky in football and technical skills, but not lucky in speaking.”

He said Hassan should have been more measured in his comments after Egypt’s World Cup achievement and should have focused more on the contribution of the players.

“Hossam should have used the World Cup achievement to control his statements, and he should have given the players their due in the World Cup and not talked about himself.”

‘Hossam made 70 mistakes’

Abdel Hamid made his strongest criticism when assessing Hassan’s management of the national team, claiming the coach had made numerous mistakes but benefited from favourable circumstances.

“Hossam Hassan made 70 mistakes and luck was on his side. If it weren’t for Ibrahim Hassan, Hossam would have made even more mistakes.”

He also questioned Hassan’s role at press conferences, suggesting his brother and assistant Ibrahim Hassan should handle media duties instead.

“I wish Ibrahim Hassan would go to the conferences instead of Hossam”