Egyptian football thunder storms

Egyptian football was the best of the Arab and Middle Eastern world in the last decade. They managed to produce a lot of impressive talents, skills and teams (Al-Ahli on club level and the National Team). However, one very big problem this country has is the attitude of most of the best players.

Shikabala:

A recent incident happened few days ago after the big derby Al-Ahli vs. Zamalek, when Shikabala, who I consider him the most talented footballer in the whole Arab world today, faced with racist comments and chanting from the fans, so, he did raise his shoe in the face of the opponent, Al-Ahli fans, after the game.

The incident is shocking, but if you were not shocked enough, here is more into it:
This incident was the talk of sports channels in last few days, and in all interviews I heard, the club officials were very supporting of the player, and gave him the excuses to get out of his nerves.


What happened next, that Shikabala mentioned that he quit international games for good. Hassan Shahata, the Egyptian coach, said that Shika is already out of his consideration. The coach always kept Shika out of his serious squad anyhow.

Few months ago, the same player, threatened a famous Zamalek figure to kill him. The issue went without a ban, with only few thousand dollars fine.

Mido:

Of course, he got the most famous incident of irresponsible attitude in history of Egyptian football.
It was the 2006 African Cup when he refused to be replaced in the semi-final.

I think the reason why Egypt was so successful in winning last 3 African Cups was not just the way that Hassan managed his team psychologically before technically and how he refused sharply for the return of Mido for the next four years.

Mido didn't like it at all, with such comments.
(this interview in Arabic, but he question coach decision to keep him away, and that everyone knows how great he is, except the coach. I do my own international fate, not the coach)

Mido played previously in Ajax Amsterdam, at the same time with Ibrahimovic and Martin Litmanen, but he wasted his chances big time. He questioned coaches like Ronald Koeman who said about him "even if I had to play with ten men, I would not have him back". Leo Beenhakker added "every coach comes up against one unmanageable player in their career, for me, it was Mido".

Mido at his famous 2006 incident Semi-Final, was replaced at the extra-time with Amro Zaki, who scored a goal just few seconds after the replacement.

Amro Zaki:

He had his own good share of the naughty attitudes. He played for one year with Wigan. He had a super start of the season scoring 10 goals and leading the top scorer in the first several games. Later he started his own dispute and lousy attitude with Wigan. The coach Steve Bruce described him as "the most unprofessional player I have ever worked with".

Essam El-Hadary:

The legendary keeper, who was one of the most important factors in winning all previous three African Cups, had his own share as well. He used to play for the biggest team Al-Ahli, but left to Sion without any notice to his club. Two years later (few months ago), FIFA decided on this dispute and banned him from playing for four months and 800 thousands dollars.

I think Hassan Shahata is doing great job in dealing with such personalities and great skills.