Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria, the head coach of the Egypt national team, has responded to rumors about receiving offers to leave his position with the Pharaohs.
He also addressed the speculation regarding his intervention to resolve the crisis between Zamalek and Sporting Lisbon, the Portuguese club, concerning the registration suspension due to a fine imposed on Mahmoud Abdel Razek “Shikabala.”
Speaking on the “Third Audience” program on ON Time Sport 2, Vitoria stated, “Fortunately, our work, and the work of the coaching staff, is clear and well-known to everyone.
People often ask me about certain matters, but I always know that my name is associated with some countries, which is a good thing.
However, I am here and have good relations with everyone I deal with, and the atmosphere is good.”
He added, “This is natural. I am happy here, and if there are no problems, I am happy here.”
Regarding the speculation about his role as a mediator to resolve the crisis between Zamalek and Sporting Lisbon, Vitoria clarified, “I have friends in all directions.
I will not contact anyone, whether Benfica, Porto, or Sporting.
I am talking about the clubs that represent Portugal.
I don’t remember if I talked about Shikabala or not, but any time I can help Egyptian football, I will do so.
However, the matter between Sporting and Zamalek is with FIFA, and I have no role in that.”
He continued, “I prefer to maintain a steady distance between all clubs.
If I can help with anything, I will, and I won’t delay anything for any club.
The national team coach’s job must be kept away from conflicts between clubs.”
Addressing media criticism regarding player selection, Vitoria remarked, “It’s very natural.
When you represent a country of such value and size as Egypt, it’s natural to face criticism.
I am always ready for these criticisms.
Sometimes there is praise for my work, football operates in this way, and it doesn’t affect my thoughts and focus.
I’ve been through these events before, both positive and strong criticisms.”
He continued, “I will never worry about criticisms and comparisons with some countries I’ve worked with.
I find that here is one of the easiest places where rumors and noise happen without any basis.
This happens in the field of media, releasing news without verifying its accuracy, and this is part of life.
Football operates this way.
Now, with one click, you can be either very good or very bad.
We are thinking of changing this slowly, but it is difficult.”
Vitoria also addressed the issue of the absence of fans from Egypt’s recent matches, saying, “For many years, the fans have been away from the stadiums.
We should gradually call them back.
It is not enough to issue a statement or call for fans.
Everyone must participate to make it happen.
Families must come to watch the team representing the country.
The presence of fans is necessary for the team to be strong.
When you see other teams like Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, and Senegal, the stadiums are full in any match. But in Egypt, we don’t see that.
Strategies and solutions must be put in place to address these points.”
He continued, “Our team needs fan support.
We traveled to the UAE and Kuwait, and we were happy with the attendance.
When I arrived here, there were times when they talked about concerns about the results, but the Egyptian people always love to be fighters and have a passion for football.
There must be appreciation for players who play with us, such as Mohamed Salah, Ahmed Hegazi, and players from Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramids.
We must use this spirit and convey the idea to the fans that there must be support, and exporting the culture that the team always strives to win.
It’s natural to lose in some matches, but our goal is always to win.”
