'I'll leave if the EFA wants,' says Egypt coach Cuper
Ahmed Abd El Rasoul, , Wednesday 6 Sep 2017
Egypt coach Cuper says he is open to any decision regarding his future with the Egyptian national team; EFA president asks fans for patience


Egypt coach Hector Cuper says he is open to any decision by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) regarding his future with the team, insisting that “mutual trust” is essential for the Pharaohs to continue their World Cup bid successfully.

"I have no problem if the association's officials are not satisfied or feeling uncomfortable with me leading the team," Cuper told ON Sport TV Channel after Tuesday's victory over Uganda.

The Argentinian has recently come under fire after his team's unconvincing performance against Uganda in the two World Cup qualifiers.

Egypt lost 1-0 away to the Cranes last week, before claiming a narrow win, with the same result, at home in Alexandria's Borg El-Arab Stadium on Tuesday.

The Pharaohs regained their position at the group summit with nine points, two ahead of second-placed Uganda.

"The EFA's officials are the ones who signed me and I still feel their support. If they want me to leave, they will tell me," added the former Inter Milan coach.

"There are no easy matches in football. I have a wonderful group of players who have good response. The most important thing is the mutual confidence between us.

"Losing mutual trust would start a road to downfall, and we don't need this at this tough moment."

"I respect all opinions, but there is no need to destroy all we have achieved only because we stumbled in one match."

"Our main target is to reach the World Cup. This is the only thing we think about," the coach added.

FA backs Cuper to stay

EFA Chairman Hani Abu Reda has showed full support for Cuper, asking angry fans to be patient.

"Cuper's target is to reach the World Cup finals, and we are currently leading our group in the qualifiers," Abu Reda said after the match.

"Be patient before criticising the team. Our players weren't at their top form in the first match against Uganda. I met them after the game, urging them to take their full responsibilities."

"If we win the next match against Congo, we can ensure a place at the World Cup, in case motivated Ghana secure a positive result against Uganda in the same round," he concluded.

Egypt will play Congo on 8 October at home before ending the qualifiers against Ghana in Accra.

Egypt are bidding for their first World Cup appearance since 1990.

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