Shehata criticizes Cuper for not picking quality strikers

CAIRO – 20 June 2017: The Egyptian national team’s former coach criticized the team’s current coach for his starting choices Sunday.

“We have quality strikers, but [Hector] Cuper does not pick them,” former coach Hassan Shehata said while speaking to ON Sport.

“Who said we don’t have strikers? We do, but he picks the wrong players,” Shehata said, speaking of the new coach. “He chooses most of the players that play abroad and leaves some of the quality players in the Egyptian National team. Amr Marei is a great striker who is very effective in front of the goal, but Cuper does not choose him,” Shehata said.

Regarding Cuper’s selection for the squad, Shehata said, “He needs to give more chances to some players that play in the Egyptian League. He can prepare these players and they will benefit the team, just like I did in the past.”

Shehata concluded his comments by discussing Egypt’s chances of reaching the upcoming 2018 World Cup in Russia, saying, “Hopefully we will reach the World Cup. We are very close to reaching the World Cup and we have some quality players.”

Shehata was one of the notable coaches in the history of modern football in Egypt. He managed to win the African Cup of Nations three consecutive times, in 2006, 2008 and 2010.