Saad Samir welcomes chance to be linked with Ali Maher’s Egypt role

Saad Samir says he is honoured to have been considered for a position alongside Ali Maher in the Egypt national team set-up.

Maher, the former Ceramica Cleopatra manager, has taken charge of Egypt. Saad, who is now the club’s football director, said the news came as a surprise to the squad and staff after their Egypt Cup match.

“We learned that Ali Maher had been appointed to coach Egypt after Ceramica’s match in the Egypt Cup,” Saad told MBC Masr 2. “Everyone was surprised and happy because we knew that he had dreamed of coaching the national team.”

Saad also described Maher as the most successful manager in the Egyptian league over the past five seasons.

“Ali Maher is the most successful coach in the Egyptian league during the last five seasons,” he said.

Saad added that he was focused on continuing his own development after being linked with a role working with Maher at international level.

“I know my steps well and I am trying to develop and learn,” he said. “It is an honour that my name was among those considered to work with Ali Maher in the Egypt national team.”

The former player also expressed his support for Maher and called on supporters to back both the manager and the national side.

“I love Ali Maher and I wish him success with Egypt because he represents all of us,” Saad said. “I hope the fans support him and stand behind the national team in the coming period.”

Saad also said he remained pleased with his role at Ceramica Cleopatra and thanked the club’s board for its backing.

“I feel comfortable and happy at Ceramica Cleopatra, and I thank the club’s management for its support during the past period,” he said.