Former Egypt U23 coach Rogerio Micale has responded to recent remarks by Egypt senior national team manager Hossam Hassan.
Following a disappointing international break for the Egyptian national team this week, Hossam Hassan responded to criticism from the press about the team’s performance. In one of his remarks, the manager publicly questioned Rogerio Micale’s salary during his time in charge of the youth team.
In a statement released through his personal social media account, the Brazilian coach expressed surprise at being named directly in Hossam’s comments.
It is always good to be remembered, even when the context is not entirely accurate. Recent comments made by my colleague Hossan Hassan, in which he referenced my name while addressing his own challenges leading the Egyptian National Team, sounded somewhat misplaced. Still, they reminded me of my trajectory and of the work that justifies the value placed on my professional experience.
Notably, Micale used the opportunity to remind the public of his credentials. The Brazilian had achieved Olympic gold at Rio 2016.
I had the honor of becoming the first Olympic champion with the Brazilian National Team, helping launch players such as Gabriel Jesus, Raphinha, David Neres, Paquetá, Richarlison and Gabriel Magalhães, while also guiding Neymar through one of his best periods with the national squad.
Moreover, he highlighted his managerial stints with top clubs such as Atlético Mineiro and Al Hilal, and defended his record with Egypt’s U23 team.
Yet, Micale took issue with Hossam Hassan’s suggestion that current senior players like Osama Faisal, Mahmoud Saber, and Mohamed Shehata owe their rise solely to the new coaching staff.
At the Olympics, we beat Spain — who would later win the gold medal — finished in fourth place, and promoted at least eight players to the senior national team. Mr. Hossam stated that he “promoted” Shehata, Saber and Osama Faisal to the first team. In my view as a coach, those players earned their places through merit, effort and consistent performance with the Olympic squad.
On the broader question of foreign coaches managing national teams, Micale made sharp remarks.
Regarding comments about foreign coaches leading national teams, I must respectfully disagree. Competence — not nationality — is what matters at the highest level. Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil, Thomas Tuchel with England and Mauricio Pochettino with the United States are recent examples that world football recognizes quality above birthplace.
Concluding his statement, Rogerio Micale discussed the question of his salary before leaving Egypt.
As for my salary, it is aligned with my competence and my résumé — as is the case in any profession or market around the world. In the end, my colleague’s mention of my name can be interpreted as a form of recognition of the work I have done. Many thanks.
The response puts the spotlight back on Egypt’s persistent debate over local vs. foreign coaching and raises questions about the substance behind public remarks by professionals.