Egypt’s national team technical director, Ibrahim Hassan, has praised the Pharaohs’ final training camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, describing it as highly organised and disciplined, with an environment designed to maximise both technical and physical preparation for the players.
In an interview, Hassan said the players themselves considered it one of the best camps they had attended, highlighting discipline as the key feature, especially given the team’s unfamiliarity with such a level of commitment.
He emphasised that the camp was fully closed, with strict restrictions on media access and visitors to the team’s accommodations, underlining that the technical staff treated the preparations as a national mission requiring total focus.
Hassan also noted the staff’s careful monitoring of players’ technical and medical needs while allowing them to maintain focus on their club duties. “The staff has extensive experience managing players and handling any potential challenges,” he said.
The technical director spoke about the strong rapport between the coaching team, led by Hossam Hassan, and the players, pointing to a harmonious and cooperative atmosphere within the squad.
He also acknowledged the support of Hani Abu Rida and praised the collaborative efforts of Ahmed Diab, head of the Clubs Association, for granting the national team an extra week to boost fitness levels before the tournament.
Reflecting on the Africa Cup of Nations, Hassan identified Benin as the toughest opponent for Egypt during the competition.
On midfielder Emam Ashour, he advised: “He should focus on his commitments with Al Ahly, ignore outside distractions, and return to peak form so the national team can benefit from him.”
Finally, Hassan dismissed rumors that the coaching staff had sought to postpone or cancel the domestic league, clarifying that the only request was for an additional week in May.
He added that cancellation was never an option given the involvement of four Egyptian clubs in African competitions.
