By Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport, Monastir, Tunisia

Egypt coach Salah says he will be leaving his post after Tunisia 2004

Egypt coach Mohsen Salah has vowed to quit his post even if he leads the Pharaohs to victory at the Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Salah said that the pressure of dealing with his media critics at home has left him with no other option but to throw in the towel.

"If we continue [in the competition] and even win this tournament, I will be out of this job and that will be my decision," Salah told BBC Sport in an exclusive interview ahead of Egypt's final Group C tie against Cameroon.

"I have many problems [doing this job] and I really feel bad.

"[When] you feel bad about your job, you must leave."

When I was first manager of Egypt in 1995, my results were the best in Africa Pharaohs boss Mohsen Salah

However, the coach acknowledged that he could be given the sack by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) if the team fails to reach the knockout stages of the Cup of Nations.

"We either continue in this tournament or we are out," Salah said.

"If we lose, I'm out. That will not be my decision but a football one."

Before the team arrived in Tunisia for the tournament, Salah had told the EFA that anything less than a semi-final place for the Pharaohs would be unacceptable.

"When we talked about the target, I gave the people my word that we'll get to the top.

"Egypt is a big name in African football, being four-time winners of the Cup of Nations, so it is normal for us to think this way.

Cameroon v Egypt preview

"But no one can say that they will be champions," he said.

Salah, who won the Egyptian championship with Ismaili before taking up the national job, has been criticised by the Egyptian media for not being stern with his players.

But he defended his management style, claiming it has created a good ambience in the team.

"I respect the players and the players respect me. Must you beat them or shout at them to get their respect? That is not a good way," he explained.

"I'm a normal person. I do what I like in my life and I have a good story.

"I have been a champion with many clubs and when I was first manager of Egypt in 1995, my results were the best in Africa.

"[But it seems] I'm not a man for a good relationship with press people and others.

"I only look after my job and my family."