Egypt's new coach reveals his priorities: Salah placed in an exceptional position

Ali Maher has begun his mission at the helm of Egypt's technical staff with a clear message about the nature of the coming phase, stressing that the tight schedule will not prevent him from attempting to bring about a change in the way things are done, and that his confidence in the players' potential represents the starting point for implementing his vision.

Unveiled at Wednesday's press conference, the Egyptian coach called taking charge of the national team an important milestone in his career, pointing out that leading the side is an ambition every coach pursues. He also thanked President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for his support of Egyptian football and the national coach.

Maher did not forget the previous technical staff led by Hossam Hassan. He praised the work Hassan did during his tenure, explaining that the new staff are not starting from scratch but aim to build on what has been achieved while bringing in different ideas and methods in the coming period.

He spoke about the difficult circumstances in which he inherited the job, with just five days before the first match. The preparation time is short. Yet he backed his players to absorb his instructions and carry them out on the pitch, relying on the qualities they possess and describing them as the best on the African continent.

Comparing club and international work, Maher explained that a club coach trains daily, correcting mistakes and drilling his ideas into the players, whereas national teams throw up different circumstances. The gatherings are short and infrequent. That complicates the details and demands constant communication.

Keeping those channels open with the players will be a priority for the technical staff, he pointed out, so they can easily grasp what is asked of them in the limited time available for collective work. Maher believes simplifying instructions and conveying ideas clearly is essential for the nature of the international job.

On Mohamed Salah, Maher called the captain one of the most important gains Egyptian football has ever known. "Salah is the best thing that has happened to Egyptian football," he said, insisting the forward's presence is a huge asset to the team. Every player, he added, wants to leave their mark in the national shirt, and he backed them to bring joy to the Egyptian fans. Looking ahead, Maher stressed that each stage has its own demands, and dealing with the current squad means first making use of the players available to hit the required targets.

Egyptian football does not produce a standout player on a regular basis, he noted, which is why the talents currently available must be invested wisely rather than rushing into sweeping changes. Lowering the average age of the squad will come at a later stage, he explained, once the current objectives are met and the existing group has been put to use. He set no date or mechanism for the approach.

Maher took the reins just five days before his first match in charge. He prepares to face Malawi twice in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, next Friday and Tuesday.