Hany Al-Awady: The countdown for the African Champions League (ACN) has begun and the anticipation of Egyptian fans, who are hopeful of the African title, has reached its peak. The fact that the ACN will take place in Egypt has created added pressure on both the players and coaching staff, who feel obligated to make up for missing out on this year's World Cup finals in Germany. Egypt coach Hassan Shehata spoke with our Filgoal.com correspondent in Alexandria about the prospects of winning the African title, his assessment of the national team and the challenges facing him. What is your assessment of the past period where you were in charge of the national team? Thankfully we have put our hands on the strong and weak points facing the Egyptian team and have reached a consensus on the starting line-up for the ACN matches thanks to the friendly internationals we played. But we have yet to see a steady line-up? I have lately begun to stabilize my starting line-up and establish a consistent squad, but the numerous injuries and the psychological state of some of the players has forced me to make some changes. Can you elaborate on that? For instance, Zamalek players have endured several problems with their club this season, which was something we had to deal with.
National team veterans Ahmed Hassan and Hossam Hassan Then came Ahli's defeat in the Club World Championship that affected the players' confidence in themselves after the media labeled them “mere local players”, another issue we had to deal with. The tournament will kick-off on January 20th, when are you going to name your final squad? We're 85% decided on the players who will be named in the squad and we'll send the final list following the match against Nigeria next Monday. Will the squad list witness any surprises? There will be no changes except if any player is injured as was the case with Emad Al-Nahhas. We also decided to exclude Ahli's Nader Al-Sayed since we only need three goalkeepers in the squad! Did Al-Nahhas' injury cause a quandary in the Egyptian defense? Al-Nahhas is an exceptional player, but as coach of the Egyptian national team I have several alternatives in Abdul-Zaher Al-Saqqa, Ibrahim Saied and Hosni Abd-Rabou. Is the extensive number of fit and available strikers putting you in a dilemma?
Hossam Hassan will benefit the Egyptian team with his experience and extensive effort. I didn't call him up to honor him, otherwise I would have called-up Hani Ramzi and Nader Al-Sayed too. It's a positive dilemma because it forces them to be competitive. Then again, I'm limited to a 23-man squad. Why did you recall Hossam Hassan to the national team? Hossam Hassan will benefit the Egyptian team with his experience and extensive effort. I didn't call him up to honor him, contrary to media reports, otherwise I would have called-up Hani Ramzi and Nader Al-Sayed too. Hossam's tremendous effort on the pitch is the only reason he was called up to join the Egyptian team. What strategy will you adopt in the ACN matches? The upcoming tournament is a tough one where we will face a number of strong teams, which means a have to stick to my regular tactics. I'm not going to adopt a certain strategy for each game! But football fans in Egypt are highly concerned about the 4-4-2 tactic you adopt? I believe the players have adapted to it, besides all our Europe-based players are used to implementing with their clubs. You gave several players a chance to prove themselves, why not Hazem Emam? Hazem Emam did get his chance like
