Abu Rida backs Ali Maher to continue Egypt’s success after Hossam Hassan exit

Egyptian Football Association president Hani Abu Rida has expressed confidence in new national team head coach Ali Maher, urging him and his technical staff to build on the achievements recorded under former coach Hossam Hassan.

Maher was recently appointed as the new technical director of the Egyptian national team, with Abu Rida insisting that the new coaching team has the association’s full backing as it prepares for the next phase.

Speaking at Maher’s unveiling ceremony at the National Teams Centre, Abu Rida praised the work of Hossam Hassan, his brother and assistant Ibrahim Hassan, and the rest of their technical team.

He acknowledged that the achievements made during their tenure had set a high standard for the incoming technical staff.

“I would like to thank everyone present for their interest. We must also thank and appreciate the efforts of Hossam Hassan, Ibrahim Hassan and the entire group for the achievements made in the past period. They have all our love and appreciation,” Abu Rida said.

The EFA president admitted that the success recorded under the previous administration would place considerable pressure on Maher, but maintained that he had confidence in the new coach’s ability to deliver further progress.

“Hossam Hassan has put Ali Maher under pressure because of the achievements of the past period, and we have great confidence in the new technical staff to achieve more successes,” he added.

Abu Rida also highlighted the immediate challenges facing Maher, pointing to two important matches awaiting the national team in the coming period.

He called on the football association and other stakeholders to provide the new technical team with the necessary support to succeed.

“In the coming period, Ali Maher and the entire coaching staff will be under pressure, especially since they have two important matches ahead of them. I wish them success, and we hope to provide them with all the support and assistance,” he said.

Beyond the senior national team, Abu Rida also highlighted the importance of the National Teams Centre in bringing together Egypt’s various national sides and promoting a stronger sense of unity among players.

He explained that having the different national teams train at the same facility creates opportunities for younger players to interact with established stars and develop a stronger connection with the national team.

Abu Rida revealed that several teams had watched the senior national team’s training session, while others had followed the national youth team’s match in Tunisia.

He believes such interactions help build patriotism, unity and a shared sense of responsibility among players representing the country at different levels.

The EFA president concluded by reaffirming the association’s commitment to supporting Maher and his technical staff while also expressing appreciation for the contributions of Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan.