حاتم ماهر

Shehata's passive role

Egypt coach Hassan Shehata should not remain silent while seeing two of his players argue with each other following the disappointing 1-1 draw with Zambia.
الخميس، 02 أبريل 2009 - 15:56
Egypt coach Hassan Shehata should not remain silent while seeing two of his players argue with each other following the disappointing 1-1 draw with Zambia.

Shehata should have instantly reacted to the dispute that occurred between Amr Zaki and Mido following Sunday's World Cup qualifier.

But He just gave a brief comment that did little to ease the tensions between the Wigan Athletic duo.

Shehata said Egypt's technical staff had nothing to do with the whole issue and that both players are the ones who should solve the problem.

Instead of punishing the culpable to maintain discipline within the team, the highly-respected tactician opted to exonerate himself, leaving the matter to escalate.

The coach should impose his personality in such issues to curb any out-of-order comments from Egypt stars.

What will be Fabio Capello's reaction if John Terry exchanges words with Frank Lampard for instance?

The Italian boss, who always gets tough on undisciplined players, would have no problem expelling the influential duo.

On the other hand, Shehata's stance will open the door for other players to engage in heated exchanges regardless of the national team's interests.

Egypt can not bear another problem within their squad as they next face Algeria in a crunch World Cup qualifier in June.

Everything should be sorted out before then.