Hassan is said to have rejected the idea that established names or prominent clubs receive automatic preference. “I do not look at a specific age or a particular team,” he said.
That position places responsibility firmly on players. Youngsters must prove they belong, while experienced internationals cannot rely solely on their history. It is a demanding standard, but one that could create a sharper competitive edge inside the Egypt squad.
The coach has also reportedly urged youth internationals to view senior football as a pathway to professional opportunities, rather than simply a reward for potential.
Questions around Hamza Abdelkarim’s reported World Cup selection appear to have made the issue especially relevant. Hassan is said to believe the Barcelona player benefited from the experience, even though Egypt’s tournament ended with a defeat by Argentina in the last 16.
Mohamed Salah remains the clearest example of the influence Hassan wants younger players to absorb. The coach reportedly highlighted Salah’s ability to operate as both a number 10 and a number nine, presenting adaptability as part of his development and success.
That message extends beyond individual positions. Egypt are also understood to be monitoring dual-nationality players based outside the country, suggesting the selection pool could continue to widen.
Hassan’s comments reportedly went beyond the national team. He argued that Egyptian clubs should give greater consideration to capable local coaches instead of assuming foreign appointments are automatically superior.
“The coach who deserves to be there should be signed,” Hassan said. He also questioned the cost and practicality of overseas managers working within Egypt’s football environment.
The next test of his principles is expected to come in the reported fixtures against Angola and South Sudan in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, alongside a friendly with South Africa. Those matches will offer the first fresh evidence of whether performance-led selection becomes a lasting feature of Hassan’s Egypt project.