Petro Asyut gaffer Reda Shehata backs Ali Maher’s appointment as Egypt coach

Petro Asyut coach Reda Shehata has thrown his support behind Ali Maher’s appointment as head coach of Egypt, calling for greater recognition and support for local coaches.

The Egyptian Football Association recently parted ways Hossam Hassan and his technical team before appointing Maher to take charge of the Pharaohs for the upcoming period.

The decision has generated discussions within Egyptian football, particularly regarding the country’s preference for local coaches and the expectations surrounding Maher’s new assignment.

However, Shehata believes the appointment represents a positive step, insisting that Egypt has several capable coaches who deserve opportunities to lead the national team rather than constantly facing criticism whenever they are entrusted with the position.

Speaking about the development, the Petro Asyut coach expressed concern over what he considers a lack of confidence in Egyptian tacticians, arguing that local coaches are often subjected to unnecessary criticism instead of receiving the encouragement required to succeed.

He further stressed that the national team coach should be treated as a respected figure and given the necessary backing to carry out his responsibilities, particularly during challenging periods.

Shehata acknowledged that football supporters and analysts are entitled to their technical opinions but questioned the tendency of some individuals to use coaching appointments as an opportunity to settle personal scores.

According to him, Maher is taking charge of the national team at a particularly demanding time, with expectations high for him to deliver improved performances and achieve success in the coming months.

Despite the pressure surrounding the appointment, Shehata expressed confidence in Maher’s technical abilities, describing him as an accomplished tactician capable of handling the responsibility of leading the Pharaohs.

He also insisted that the selection of players for the national team should remain the exclusive responsibility of the head coach, warning against allowing rivalries and disagreements involving domestic clubs to influence national team decisions.

The Petro Asyut technical director also addressed speculation surrounding Hossam Hassan’s departure, expressing reservations about suggestions that Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was responsible for the former coach’s exit.

Shehata’s comments come as Maher begins preparations for his new assignment, with the immediate task of building a competitive squad and restoring confidence around the Egyptian national team.

With the Pharaohs expected to maintain their status as one of Africa’s leading football nations, Maher will be under pressure to justify the confidence placed in him and deliver results in the months ahead.