Arab Cup Revelations: Ahmed Hassan Unveils Star Absences and the Turbulent Coaching Backstage

Key revelations

Ahmed Hassan, the manager of the Egyptian national team that competed in the Arab Cup, revealed the real reasons behind the absence of several key players in the tournament.

He explained in a TV interview that the absence of Imam Ashour and Nasser Maher, along with Mohamed Ismail and Salah Mohsen, was not due to football reasons, but because they had been summoned by Hassan Helmi, the head coach, noting that the top priority is the first team and selections cannot be compromised.

He added: Ahmed Hegazi refused to join, while Abdullah Al-Saeed demanded to join the squad before the tournament, and injuries deprived the Pharaohs of Hussein El Shahat, Ahmed Abdelkader, and Mostafa El-Ash.

Behind the scenes: moves, calls and coaching decisions

He explained the complicated logic behind Marwan Hamdi’s inclusion: the club’s approval came as a reciprocal move after the Moroccan federation sought Walid Kariti; Pyramids agreed to Hamdi’s departure for Egypt in exchange for letting Kariti join Morocco.

He added that the participation of four Egyptian clubs in African competitions narrowed the coach's choices to a limited roster.

In a bombshell, the manager said Toulani was ready to step away after the second camp, feeling a lack of cooperation and a fragile core, but talks with Hany Abou-Rida and the federation's technical committee kept him on despite the risk.

I wish one of Hossam Hassan's assistants had led the team to ensure full coordination and the technical benefit for the first squad.

Punchline 1 (sniper-style): If patience were a shooter, it would still miss the target—welcome to football’s ultimate long-range plan.

Punchline 2 (sniper-style): And if drama had an offside, this camp would be a masterclass — the referee would call it extra suspense time.