Egypt coach Helmi Toulan clarifies Kuwait comment and eyes UAE test

Egypt coach Helmi Toulan insisted he never meant to disrespect Kuwait after the 1-1 draw in their Arab Cup opener in Qatar.

His post-match remark that Egypt “could have scored five goals in each half” sparked controversy, but he explained that he was only referring to the statistics his staff provided about chances, shots and superiority in the numbers.​

Helmi Toulan turned the page quickly, focusing on Egypt’s second group game against the UAE on Saturday in Group C. He said his staff studied the Emirati team in detail, praising their quick attacking players, especially the front four, and stressing the need to manage their dribbling threat.​

On comments from UAE coach Cosmin Olaroiu praising Egypt’s players, Helmi Toulan responded: “I thank him for that, but these words will not fool us; they only push us to work harder for our first win.” He added that the staff are using the short gaps between matches for video analysis, correcting mistakes and giving players rest to avoid injuries, noting that haste in finishing cost Egypt goals against Kuwait.​

Helmi Toulan described left-back Karim Fouad’s injury as a “big loss” for Egypt, calling him an excellent player while accepting it as fate. Midfielder Mohamed Elneny confirmed that the whole squad is ready for the UAE clash, saying there is a strong ambition to go as far as possible in the Arab Cup and full respect for a tough UAE side he knows well from his time at Al Jazira in the Emirati league.