In the lead-up to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria, at the helm of Egypt’s national football team, addressed the media during the team’s training session in preparation for the tournament hosted by Ivory Coast.
Vitoria stated firmly, “I won’t promise anyone the upcoming AFCON title, but my goal is to win each match successively.”
Emphasizing his commitment to a game-by-game approach, the coach underlined the importance of maintaining focus throughout the competition.
Speaking about the influential captain, Mohamed Salah, Vitoria praised his leadership qualities, noting, “Mohamed Salah is a great captain who aids us immensely as the coaching staff of the Egyptian national team.
His professionalism has greatly benefited him, and his mindset, shaped through experiences with Roma, Fiorentina, and Liverpool, is open and evolved.”
Responding to queries regarding Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s recent remarks, Vitoria remarked, “I haven’t followed Klopp’s statements, but they were undoubtedly made in a light-hearted manner.”
The Portuguese coach downplayed any potential controversy, suggesting Klopp’s words were meant in jest.
Highlighting the competitive nature of the squad, Vitoria asserted, “No one is guaranteed a spot in Egypt’s starting lineup at the AFCON.”
This statement reflects the coach’s emphasis on meritocracy and healthy competition within the team.
In anticipation of Egypt’s AFCON campaign, Vitoria strategically chose a friendly encounter against Tanzania.
He explained, “Opting for a friendly against Tanzania before AFCON participation is intended to provide a significant morale boost for the players.”
On a lighter note, assistant coach Ayman Abdelaziz shared that Mohamed Salah generously gifted his son a jersey upon attending the national team’s training session, showcasing the camaraderie and positive spirit within the squad as they gear up for the prestigious tournament in Ivory Coast.
