Hossam Hassan has denied reports that he is set to leave his position as Egypt manager, saying he does not know who is behind the claims and insisting he remains focused on preparing the team for its upcoming commitments.
Several media reports had suggested that the Egyptian Football Association was considering dismissing Hassan, despite Egypt reaching the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup under his leadership.
The reports said the association was concerned by controversy surrounding the manager, including family issues, particularly after he was banned from making media appearances.
“I do not know who is promoting the news of my departure from the Egypt national team in this way,” Hassan said.
He questioned why his personal circumstances were being brought into assessments of his work, arguing that private disagreements were issues any person could face and should not be used to judge professional performance.
Hassan: judge me on my work
Hassan said he had not spoken publicly about his family for many years and had generally avoided giving media statements. He questioned why those subjects were being raised now and linked to his responsibilities with the national team.
According to Telegraph Egypt, the manager said his performance should be assessed through his football work, his relationship with the players and the results achieved by Egypt, rather than through details of his private life.
He added that the main criteria for judging any manager should be their work and commitment within the team structure, separate from personal matters that have no connection with their technical duties.
Hassan also discussed Egypt’s recent campaign, saying he had not spoken to the media about the team’s achievement after the squad returned from the United States. He said a number of promising players had been identified and could play an important role in Egyptian football in the coming years.
Preparations are under way for Egypt’s next training camp. Hassan said the national team director had held a meeting with Hany Abou Rida, president of the Egyptian Football Association, to discuss arrangements for the next stage and draw up plans for the forthcoming fixtures.
Egypt are preparing to face Malawi on 13 and 17 November in the third and fourth rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Discipline remains a coaching responsibility
Hassan said some players showed differences in their behaviour and performances when joining Egypt compared with their displays for their clubs.
He said the coaching staff were working to impose discipline within the squad and use the players’ abilities as effectively as possible. He added that successfully maintaining order in the team should not itself become a source of criticism.
At the same time, Hassan said clubs also had a role and responsibility in managing their players to ensure their qualities were used to the greatest effect.
He concluded by stressing that a manager’s private life should be kept separate from their professional responsibilities. Any assessment, he said, should be based on what a coach delivers on the pitch and their commitment to the job, rather than personal details.
