Mohamed Salah is set to spearhead Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in Morocco on Monday. National team coach Hossam Hassan expresses full confidence that the Liverpool forward will shine on the continental stage.

“Morale in Training Is Very High”

Salah’s national team coach described the Liverpool star’s mindset as remarkably positive, considering recent events.

“Salah’s morale in training is very high, as if he were just starting out with the national team,” Hassan said in a press conference ahead of Egypt’s opener.

“I believe he will have a great tournament with his country. Salah will be among the best players at the tournament, and he will remain an icon and one of the best players in the world.”

The striker’s early-season struggles with Liverpool, where he has scored just four Premier League goals and one in all competitions, have been well documented.

However, Hassan emphasised that periods of difficulty are not uncommon for elite players. He suggested that international duty could help Salah regain his rhythm.

The Liverpool Situation: “Not a Crisis”

Egypt’s head coach was quick to dismiss talk of a “crisis” between Salah and Liverpool.

The tension, he explained, was the result of normal differences that can arise between a player and a coach.

“There was constant communication with Mohamed during what I don’t want to call a crisis because any player can have a difference of opinion with his coach at his club,” Hassan said.

“The same situation happened with Salah when he went through a period of not scoring goals with Liverpool. Then he returned to the right path through the national team, and as a result, he came back at an even better level than before.”

Hassan also underlined Salah’s resilience and ability to bounce back from challenging periods.

“Whenever Salah’s performances dip with his club, he regains his strength with the national team and becomes even better, whether by contributing to goals or scoring himself. Then he returns to his club even stronger.”

For Salah, AFCON represents more than just a tournament. It is an opportunity to rediscover his form, restore his confidence, and perhaps silence lingering questions over his future at Liverpool.

“Salah from what I see, is going to be one of the best players in this tournament with help from his teammates and the coaching staff,” Hassan said.

“Salah will continue to be an icon and one of the best players in the world. I support him in every way as do the Egyptian fans.”

The timing of the tournament has been described as ideal. With Liverpool’s squad affected by injuries, Salah’s return to Merseyside will be crucial. Hassan believes the time away could be beneficial.

“Don’t forget that Mohamed Salah needs to win the Africa Cup of Nations by helping himself and helping us, and we can also help him as the staff, as a team, and the fans too. I have confidence in Salah and in all the players.”

Salah’s experience and leadership will be key for Egypt. They are aiming to return to the top of African football after a gap of more than a decade since their last triumph in 2010.

At Anfield, supporters have been left frustrated by Salah’s dip in form this season. The forward has not scored since Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa in early November and has been absent from several key matches. These include a draw with Leeds United that sparked his explosive interview.

During that interview, Salah admitted feeling scapegoated for Liverpool’s poor start to the season. He also hinted that his future at Anfield could be uncertain.

The comments came after he was dropped for a Champions League fixture against West Ham, following a heavy defeat to PSV Eindhoven.

Despite the concerns, Salah has since apologised to teammates and engaged in dialogue with Arne Slot. This suggests that the relationship has been repaired to some extent.

Yet questions remain about whether he will stay at Liverpool beyond the January transfer window.

Should Egypt succeed and Salah recapture his sharpness, Liverpool could benefit from a star back at his peak just when the squad most needs him.

For now, the focus remains squarely on Morocco. Salah will be hoping that the tournament provides the perfect platform to rediscover the form that has made him a global icon.