In an extensive interview, the head coach of the Egyptian national football team, Roy Vitoria, delved into the challenges facing the team in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Notably, Vitoria shed light on the distinctions between Egypt and other African teams concerning players’ inclination towards Europe.
Vitoria emphasized that footballers in Egypt are considered royalty, and the comfortable life they lead impedes their transition to European leagues.
The coach shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with the French site Onze Mondial:
Benfica Memories:
“I have excellent memories from my time with Benfica. They are a huge club, and coaching such a great team was a fantastic experience.
I wish every coach could have this experience to understand what coaching a big club means.”
“I won six titles, including three leagues.
My discovery of young players like João Félix, Renato Sanches, and Ruben Dias was the seventh title with the team.”
“The policy of promoting young players was absent at Benfica and other major clubs.
Since then, other clubs have followed this approach.
In my view, those who don’t follow this path lose a goldmine.”
Saudi Arabia and the Challenges:
“Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia was interested in my arrival during my time at Benfica.
After my dismissal, the interest was renewed.
I made the decision based on various factors, primarily the financial aspect, as we are professionals with families.
Another factor was my desire to explore something different.
I don’t like to confine ourselves and believe that the whole world operates like us.”
“Regarding Ronaldo’s statement that the Saudi league has the potential to become one of the top 5 leagues globally, we will see.
There are factors such as the presence of a few players and four strong teams, but it may not be enough.”
“There are aspects that can improve in the Saudi league, but certain conditions, like the weather, will never change.
The high temperature makes it challenging to play at a fast pace because no one can play with high intensity under 35-degree heat.”
Leading Egypt:
“I need this pressure of leading the Egyptian national team, and I want to win titles everywhere.
I don’t want to fight for nothing.”
“Egypt has been crowned champions of Africa more than any other, and there are expectations for more.
This is exciting for me, and my previous experiences have prepared me for it.”
“An ideal start with Egypt? I always expect the best because I believe in our work, and I feel appreciated here.
I have an excellent relationship with the players, to the extent that I received an award from the federation for our good work.
We are trusted here in Egypt, and I love working here.”
“I found tremendous passion in Cairo, in the best sense of the word.
Egypt, with its 120 million people breathing football, is a country I love.
There is potential, but I believe there is still much to do.
It’s a challenge because I am convinced that some players, if they had different circumstances, could play at a much higher level.”
“When I arrived in Egypt, I wondered why all these players were not playing in Europe.
They have the quality, and I can confirm that.”
“There are many differences between leading a club and the national team.
As a club coach, you are in a relentless machine like a never-ending engine.
We think about something, and we don’t have time to prepare for it.
With the national team, there is a month or two of preparations without pressure, followed by intense density for 10 days.
I love that experience because I have time to apply my ideas, in addition to more rest.”
AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast:
“Egypt is among the contenders for the AFCON title, but the competition is extremely high, with most of the continent’s players in the top five leagues.”
“There are many factors to consider when competing for the AFCON title, such as police escort, chaotic traffic, lasers from competitors, the state of the stadium, and player injuries.
Small variables that can make a big difference on the field.
Still, we won’t go into details, and we promise to work hard and be confident in that.”
“The absence of the title from Egypt for 13 years? I feel normal pressure because I am in a big country.
But people need to know that nothing is easy.
When I signed with Egypt, it was for four years to prepare the team for the 2026 World Cup.
There is, of course, AFCON, but through this contract, our main goal remains the 2026 World Cup.”
“AFCON is a step, and, of course, we want to win it, but I am realistic.
We all have confidence, and we know it’s a tough competition.”
Salah and Professionalism in Europe:
“Mohamed Salah? I have always said that the best player should be the best everywhere.
He should have a wonderful car and a beautiful house.
On the field, he should have good behavior and a professional attitude, and Salah has it all.”
“Salah has everything; he is not just a captain but possesses a team spirit that amazes me.
He cares about his teammates, and I am very comfortable dealing with him.
Having such a player contributes significantly to developing the lineup.
Training Egypt was an opportunity to discover Africa.”
“Of course, I watch Mustafa Mohamed with Nantes, at least I watch a summary of what he offers and stay in regular contact with him.
He is already good but can become even better.”
“We have a few dual-nationality players in the Egypt national team who play at a high level, unlike the rest of the continent’s teams.
With training provided in Europe, they can deliver a better performance, as we saw with Morocco in the last World Cup.”
“Egypt is in a unique position, firstly because of the language, as we speak only Arabic here, making integration more complex.
Regarding football, we have three high-quality clubs here: Ahly, Zamalek, and Pyramids.
It is challenging for players to leave these clubs and move to a mediocre club in Europe.”
“In other African countries, young players go to Europe, but not in Egypt because a football player in the Egyptian league leads a comfortable life.
Footballers are kings in Egypt.”
In navigating Egypt through the upcoming AFCON, Vitoria brings a wealth of experience and a nuanced understanding of the challenges unique to the Egyptian football landscape.
As the nation eagerly anticipates the tournament, the spotlight remains on the team’s pursuit of continental glory.
