Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has suggested he has shown how to get the best out of Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah after his heroics during their 3-1 World Cup win over New Zealand. The 56-year-old claimed that he deployed the Egyptian in a position that accommodated his strengths, something that the Reds managers struggled to do.
Hassan, who is now just one goal ahead of the 32-year-old in the all-time leading scorers charts, struggled to contain his emotions. Despite the emotion surrounding their triumph, the tactician couldn't resist what appeared to be a pointed remark at the mishandling of Salah.
Salah's Heroics Lead Egypt to Historic Win
Salah demonstrated his credentials as a top-level performer by playing a crucial part in their comeback triumph over the All Whites. Finn Surman powered home a first-half header for one of the tournament's lowest-ranked nations. However, Egypt emerged with renewed purpose after the interval as Salah completed a remarkable turnaround eight minutes after Ziko's equaliser.
The Liverpool icon's contribution takes him to within one goal of equalling Hassan's all-time national scoring record of 69 goals, though Salah's influence didn't end there, as Trezeguet headed home from his corner late on to seal a first World Cup victory in the nation's history.
Hassan's Apparent Dig at Liverpool Managers
Speaking to journalists following the victory, the Egypt boss couldn't help but take a swipe at some of the managers who have previously worked with Salah. Hassan seemingly claimed responsibility for his role in getting the best out of Salah. He said: "Salah worked hard on the pitch and this is something you should know. I am maybe the first coach to let him play in a position that matches his danger, that matches his capabilities and qualities. We worked on so many things and I am sure we are going to see more from him."
The 32-year-old will formally become a free agent when the knockout stages commence next month, having reached an arrangement with Liverpool to end his contract prematurely. The attacker was embroiled in a fractious dispute with former Reds boss Arne Slot throughout the Dutchman's final campaign in charge at Anfield. Salah was positioned centrally, operating behind Manchester City's Omar Marmoush while receiving support on either flank in a 4-2-3-1 system.
Emotional Scenes in Vancouver
Jubilant scenes unfolded in Vancouver, Canada, as the Egypt bench flooded onto the pitch to mark the occasion, with the celebrations continuing into the dressing room. Hassan sprinted along the touchline brandishing the flag aloft while the players gathered in the centre circle to savour the moment after the final whistle.
During his pitchside post-match interview, the 59-year-old was visibly overcome with emotion on a momentous evening for Egyptian football. Fighting back tears, he said: "I am very happy with this victory, and I thank the entire Egyptian people for their support. This victory is dedicated to all Egyptians, both men and women. I am extremely happy, and my feelings are similar to those of millions of Egyptians after this win. We were successful in the match and put in a great effort, especially after the first half, which we ended with a goal against us. However, our performance improved, and we managed to win in the second half. I thank all the players, the technical and administrative staff. Everyone put in great effort to achieve the Egyptians' dream in the World Cup."
