'EFA have to first talk with Masry before national team duty,' says candidate coach Ihab Galal

Mahmoud Elassal , Thursday 19 Sep 2019

Reports in the Egyptian media spread Wednesday that EFA had reached an agreement with Galal to take charge of the national football team

Ihab Galal
Masry coach Ihab Galal who is a candidate coach for Egypt national team (Photo: Reuters)

Masry football team coach Ihab Galal said if the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) wants to sign him as the new national team coach, the association would have to first hold talks with his club's management.

“It would be an honour for me to be in charge of Egypt's national football team, but till now there is nothing official. No one spoke with Masry management," Galal told a television programme early Thursday.

"Masry management are responsible for everything,” he added.

Reports in the Egyptian media spread Wednesday that EFA reached an agreement with Galal to be in charge of the Egypt's national football team.

"I know nothing about this news; I am now preparing my team for the game against Haras El-Hodoud in the Egyptian Premier League," the 52-year-old Masry coach said.

"I am happy with Masry team, as I have many talented players, and I ask fans to continue supporting the team," Galal said.

The Masry coach would be a surprise selection should he get the job, but he is well regarded as an up-and-coming manager after turning mid-table outfits to top-four challengers.

Ihab Galal rose to prominence during a three-year spell with Maqassa, leading them to their first-ever appearance in the African Champions League in 2017 after they finished runners up in the domestic league that year behind champions Ahly.

EFA started searching for a new coach for the national team following the sacking of Mexican tactician Javier Aguirre in July after a dismal campaign in the African Nations Cup (AFCON), which was held in Egypt 21 June to 19 July.

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