Ali Maher says Egypt have ‘best group of players’ in national team history

Ali Maher says taking charge of Egypt is the achievement he has been working towards since beginning his coaching career.

The new Egypt manager said leading the national team was an ambition shared by every coach and called on supporters to unite behind the Pharaohs.

“Coaching Egypt is a goal for every manager,” Maher said in an interview with ON Sport. “We work hard, overcome difficulties and strive to reach it.”

Maher also spoke highly of the squad at his disposal, describing it as the strongest group of players in the history of the national team.

“We have the best group of players in the history of Egypt’s national team,” he said. “Mohamed Salah is the best player in Egypt’s history and is a role model for all the players and supporters.”

The manager praised the work of the Football Association, saying it was making every effort to provide the best possible support for both the national side and Egyptian football.

“The Football Association is working and doing everything it can to offer the best for Egypt’s national team and Egyptian football,” Maher added.

Maher said his coaching staff had been selected on the basis of the contribution each member could make, rather than personal relationships or favouritism.

“I chose my staff according to the impact each individual can have,” he said. “I do not make selections based on favouritism, because the negative aspects would eventually appear and everyone would recognise them.”

The manager also revealed that he had spoken to Hany Abou Rida about removing the position of national team director.

“I spoke to Hany Abou Rida about cancelling the national team director’s position,” Maher said. “He understood my point of view, and communication will be directly between him and me.”

Maher ended by promising that Egypt would adopt an attacking and committed style of play capable of matching the standing of the national team.

“We promise the people of Egypt that the national team will play good football, with attacking and defensive intensity worthy of the name of Egypt,” he said.