Saad Samir explains why he did not join Ali Maher’s Egypt staff

Ceramica Cleopatra football director Saad Samir said it was realistic for him not to be part of the new Egypt coaching staff led by Ali Maher, stressing that what matters to him is the success of the coach and his staff.

Samir explained that he had been aware of the nominations and praised the members of the assistant staff, saying they should be assessed on their work and results, not their names. He added that he was happy to be at Ceramica Cleopatra, noting that everyone was keen for him to remain at the club.

Samir described Ali Maher as the most successful coach in the Egyptian league over the past four years, saying he deserved to lead the national team and that what he had achieved qualified him to succeed. He also said that his situation differed from those of the other staff members, and that being linked with the national team was an honor for him.

Egypt are preparing to face Malawi twice in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers: the first match will be played in Cairo on 13 November, and the second on the 17th of the same month, according to the source.