Ihab El-Komy, a board member of the Egyptian Football Federation, has acknowledged that the federation faces heightened scrutiny whenever the idea of hiring an Egyptian coach instead of a foreign one is raised.
El-Komy highlighted the lack of a popular figurehead as a significant challenge for the federation, with fans demonstrating a stronger allegiance to their clubs over the national team.
In a telephone interview with Hany Hathout on the program “Al-Match” aired on “Sada El-Balad” channel, El-Komy addressed the criticism faced by the Football Federation when contemplating the appointment of an Egyptian coach instead of a foreign one.
He contrasted this with the fans’ apparent lack of demand for clubs to hire domestic coaches over foreign ones.
El-Komy affirmed the stature of Alaa Nabil, the current coach of the Egyptian Football Federation, emphasizing that he is a respected figure within the football community.
“The Egyptian coach is not suitable for the national team at this stage,” El-Komy stated, asserting that the Football Federation looks at absolute fairness for everyone.
He downplayed the social media calls for appointing an Egyptian coach, mentioning that the federation will evaluate all credentials after the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations, considering those who have previously won championships and left their mark on the continent.
Furthermore, El-Komy revealed that a committee, including Alaa Nabil, the coach of the Egyptian Football Federation, would be formed to select the best profiles for coaching the Egyptian national team.
He clarified that there is no hindrance preventing the Football Federation from seeking the opinion of Mohamed Salah regarding the new coach for the national team.
However, he emphasized that Salah is well-aware of his role with the Pharaohs and should not exceed his boundaries.
