In an interview with Sport 360, Basel’s Egypt midfielder Mohamed Elneny explains why he’s not moving to Dynamo Kiev and why with Hector Cuper at the helm, Egypt can win the World Cup.
On Wednesday night, FC Basel take on Maccabi Tel-Aviv looking to reach the Champions League group stage for the sixth time in eight years. The Israeli side were dispatched by the Swiss champions in the qualifiers two seasons ago and Basel are favourites to progress again.
Among those hoping for another chance to play on club football’s biggest stage is Basel’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who featured alongside compatriot Mohamed Salah the last time Maccabi rolled into Switzerland.
While Salah has long since flown the St Jakob Park nest – some sterling performances in the 2013-14 Champions League caught Chelsea’s eye – Elneny remains with Basel and has three Swiss titles to show for his time at the club.
Ahead of the crunch Champions League qualifier with Maccabi, Sport360 sat down with Elneny to discuss his club and international ambitions.
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How are you enjoying life in Switzerland?
Everything is good, I thank God every minute for everything I have right now. My club loves me a lot and treats me well. Basel is a huge club in Europe.
Have your received any offers from any other European clubs?
Yes, some weeks ago I received an offer from the Ukranian side Dynamo Kiev. They want me but Basel’s owner won’t allow me to leave because the team needs me here.
So will you stay at Basel?
Every player has a dream to play in a great club in Europe. I’m happy at Basel right now but also I’m still waiting for the opportunity to be able to play for a big club. I’d love to play for Barcelona one day – it’s my dream!
What was it like to play against Real Madrid and Liverpool in the Champions League last season?
It was a wonderful feeling. At the Bernabeu the atmosphere was beautiful. You feel greatness when you are there. As for Liverpool, it was a fantastic game. I finally had the chance to see Steven Gerrard and played against him on the field. I will always remember this.
Are there any other players who you admire?
In Europe it is Bastian Schweinsteiger of Manchester United, while in Egypt, it would be Ismaily midfielder Hosni Abd Rabo.
What about Mohamed Salah, have you tracked his progress?
I don’t want to talk about this point but God be with him in his new step.
Egypt haven’t reached a World Cup since 1990, can you do it in 2018?
We’ll do everything to reach the World Cup in Russia. All the team will play and train hard – it is something that must happen for Egypt.
How is Hector Cuper doing as national team coach?
In the Egypt team we love this guy a lot, He’s a great coach, and has a wonderful history with a lot of big clubs. We trust wholeheartedly in Cuper and all have the feeling that we’ll reach the World Cup.
Are there any young Egyptians who could follow you to Europe?
Mostafa Fathi of Zamalek and Ramadan Sobhi of Al Ahly definitely have what it takes to play for European clubs.