Journalist Magdy El-Gallad, Editor-in-Chief of "Ona" Press and Media Foundation, emphasized the importance of Mohamed El-Shenawy, Al-Ahly Club's goalkeeper, amid the ongoing controversy between him and Hossam Hassan, head coach of Egypt's senior national team.
El-Gallad clarified during his remarks that Hossam Hassan needs to recognize certain matters before addressing the media, prior to discussing Mohamed Salah, who left Egypt's recent match against Angola after one hour of play.
Statements by Magdy El-Gallad
Magdy El-Gallad, Editor-in-Chief of "Ona" Press and Media Foundation, began his statements made on the program "Here is Al-Ahly," broadcast on Al-Ahly Channel, regarding the current crisis within the Egyptian national team, saying: "Hossam Hassan is a great player and also a great technical director. I view this matter from the perspective of the national team's head coach, not focusing on Hossam Hassan as an individual, but speaking for his benefit as the manager of the Egyptian national team."
El-Gallad continued: "Hossam Hassan possesses many blessings, yet addressing public opinion has its own principles, rules, and sanctity. When speaking publicly about a prominent player like Mohamed El-Shenawy, you must realize two things: first, you are talking about a player who has given much to Egypt and remains capable of contributing even more."
He added: "Mohamed El-Shenawy is an extraordinary player; indeed, when discussing the history of Egyptian football concerning the ten goalkeepers who shaped its legacy, Mohamed El-Shenawy will undoubtedly be among them."
He further stated: "Fans are expressing their views, while Hossam Hassan defends his own perspective based on his evaluation of players. However, he must carefully consider every word he utters. The fans will not accept Hossam Hassan erasing the legacy of a distinguished player like Mohamed El-Shenawy."
Highlighting one of the most crucial points in his discussion, he affirmed: "Hossam Hassan's pride prevented him from apologizing to Mohamed El-Shenawy. In my view, the core issue surrounding Egypt's national team manager boils down to two words: 'managing success.'"
He continued: "The success achieved by Hossam Hassan at the World Cup is acknowledged by everyone, as he accomplished something unprecedented for any coach managing Egypt's national team throughout history. The entire world witnessed this achievement. Yet, success itself can become a trap; one must manage it wisely to sustain it, otherwise, failing to comprehend success properly may lead to mistakes."
He further explained: "There is a significant difference when any action comes from a player at Al-Ahly, Zamalek, any other club, a professional abroad, or the national team coach, because you become responsible for representing the image of the national team globally."
He added: "Mohamed El-Shenawy has a supportive fan base protecting him, but was there truly a technical justification for substituting Mohamed Salah in the 60th minute against Angola, at a moment when Egypt's national team was drawing yet feeling akin to defeat?"
Concluding his remarks, he stated: "Mohamed Salah's presence makes a decisive difference for Egypt's national team; he scores and creates goals, which is precisely what the team needed at the exact moment when Hossam Hassan decided to substitute Mohamed Salah."
