“Ahly players are experienced enough to overcome the CAF Champions League title loss, and we will support them psychologically and motivate them to learn the importance of the current situation and they have to compensate with the national team and Ahly as well,” Galal told a television programme late on Wednesday.
Ahly missed out on an unprecedented third straight Champions League trophy as Moroccan side Wydad clinched the title with a 2-0 victory at their Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Monday.
Following the Champions League final, seven Ahly players joined Egypt’s national team camp as they prepare for the game against Guinea in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Pharaohs will start their Group D campaign African Cup of Nations qualifiers – set for Cote d'Ivoire in June 2023 – at home with Guinea on Sunday and away with Ethiopia four days later.
“We prepare for Guinea clash first then we will work on Ethiopia and Korea games,” the Egypt national team coach said.
“We need to introduce a good performance with the national team and after the first game we may call-up some players from the league,” Galal added.
Salah under pressure
Egypt’s skipper Mohamed Salah, 29, is also in a tough situation after losing the UEFA Champions League title with his team Liverpool to Real Madrid on Saturday.
“I contacted Salah after the UEFA Champions League final and he suffers from pressure as he is the star of Liverpool team moreover, he is in negotiations to extend his stay with the team but he is experienced enough to deal with those situations,” Galal said.
The 29-year-old Salah, who has 18 months left in his current five-year 52-million-euro deal with Liverpool, has been in talks with the club about an extension but has not yet received what he deems an acceptable offer.
The 54-year-old coach Galal revealed that he could change his playstyle when he starts his mission with Egypt.
“I could give up my playstyle as the national team is different from the teams and we try to build on previous achievements as we could not make changes in a short time,” the Egypt national team coach said.
Under the helm of Galal, who took over the national team following the departure of Portuguese Carlos Queiroz last month, Egypt will face South Korea’s national team on 14 June.
“All the players will be called up for Korea friendly and the most important thing is to have no injuries against Guinea and Ethiopia,” Galal said.
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