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When Portuguese coach Rui Vitoria was appointed to manage the Egyptian national football team in July 2022, he was greeted with a surprising message of welcome from none other than team captain, Mohamed Salah.
Recognized as one of the world’s best players, Salah’s gesture was a first impression that reflected his superiority on the pitch and humility off it, setting the tone for a successful inaugural year under new management. Within the year, Vitoria and the team not only attained qualification for the 2023 African Cup of Nations but also maintained Vitoria’s perfect coaching record – seven wins out of seven games.
“I started talking with some players but he (Salah) was the only one who sent me a message,” Vitoria told The Athletic. “The stars sometimes are on the pitch and off it they are not the stars. Salah is both. He has a big impact on his colleagues. He has a positive energy and is humble. He is always ready to help the team and his country.”
Salah’s expertise played a crucial role in these sweeping victories, contributing four goals and four assists in five games. Beyond his athletic prowess, Vitoria praised Salah for his swift decision-making skills and his unique ability to occupy the most advantageous positions on the field.
At the age of 31, Salah has not only carved a niche for himself as one of the best players Egypt has ever produced but also remains undeterred in maintaining his high-performing streak. Praised by Vitoria as a consummate professional, Salah meticulously follows a strict routine involving sufficient sleep, a well-balanced breakfast, and regular gym sessions, with the intention of continuously improving.
With two years remaining on his contract with Liverpool, Vitoria predicts that Salah will sustain his high-performance level for at least another four or five years owing to his game intelligence and unerring decision-making skills.
“He has the details that make all the difference,” Vitoria said. “It is incredible how he decides so fast and how he is always in the right specific space. He is very important for us. He will play four or five more years at the top level, because he has the skills that you can’t lose, the decision-making and game intelligence. He is a fantastic professional. He looks to keep improving to stay at a high level. Sleep, breakfast, the gym – anything and everything.”
The Egyptian ace also hopes to play for his country in the 2026 World Cup, seeking to make up for the 2018 game marred by a shoulder injury that impeded his performance. In spite of a premature exit at the group stage in Russia, hopes are high for Egypt’s football future under the powerful, combined force of Vitoria and Salah
