Moroccan national team coach Walid Regragui held a press conference today, outlining his choices for the upcoming training camp and friendly matches against Tunisia on June 6 and Benin on June 9.
He touched upon AFCON preparations, player selections, his stance on dual-nationality players, and addressed recent criticisms.
Squad Decisions and AFCON Preparations
Regragui explained that the decision to face African teams like Tunisia and Benin, rather than European opponents, is a strategic move.
“This is to prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held here in Morocco,” he stated, adding that matches against European teams might be considered after the continental tournament.
The choice to hold the upcoming friendlies in Fez was a personal decision by him and his technical staff. “After playing in Oujda, Tangier, and Agadir, it’s Fez’s turn,” Regragui noted. “Every Moroccan city deserves to host the national team, and Fez has not hosted the Atlas Lions for many years.”
Addressing notable absences, Regragui highlighted that injuries have sidelined key players such as defenders Nayef Aguerd and Noussair Mazraoui. He sees this as “an opportunity to test new faces, especially in central defense,” emphasizing that his choices are often “imposed by circumstances.”
The call-up of Oussama El Azzouzi, despite limited playtime with his club, is part of the search for defensive solutions in Aguerd’s absence. Conversely, the omission of Jamal Harkass was described as a “purely technical choice.”
Regarding Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, Regragui mentioned he is carrying a “slight injury” and suggested he might feature against Benin if he misses the Tunisia game.
The coach also expressed full satisfaction with his midfield options. He praised the “good performances” shown by the trio of Bilal El Khannouss, Ismail Saibari, and Azzedine Ounahi, noting they “have great potential for improvement.”
He also mentioned that Amir Richardson has “regained his true level after a period of decline,” while Sofyan Amrabat is considered an “experienced player with enough expertise to lead the midfield in upcoming challenges.”
“Any player must fight to represent Morocco”
When questioned about players like Ayoub Bouaddi, who hold dual nationality and have yet to commit to Morocco, Regragui delivered a firm message. “We must support the players who have actually chosen Morocco and fight for the jersey,” he asserted.
“We have reached a stage where any player must fight to represent Morocco, not the other way around. Whoever is not with us today has either not chosen Morocco, is still hesitant, or simply has no place among us.”
Regragui revealed that some clubs had requested their players be excused from the national team camp due to the proximity of the FIFA Club World Cup. However, he confirmed that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) rejected these requests.
“The priority is for the national team,” Regragui stated firmly. “The players have joined the camp.” An exception was made for Adam Aznou of Bayern Munich: “We allowed him to stay because Bayern Munich is monitoring him, giving him a chance to compete for his place with the Bavarian club.”
While his staff monitors players’ development, Regragui clarified they do not interfere in players’ transfer choices. “Players are now more aware of the importance of the upcoming tournaments like AFCON and the World Cup,” he said.
“Some might consult me about moving to a particular club, and my response is that they must take responsibility for their choices, and their place in the national team depends on their performance with their clubs.”
“I want to see Hakimi lift the cup.. And i’m able to achieve that”
Addressing recent criticism and speculation about his future, particularly in a question from Hespress, Regragui was candid. “I respect criticism… as long as the group is protected and fully focused on the Africa Cup.” He stressed his priority is preparing the team for the tournament.
“If there is a coach better than me to lead the Moroccan national team in AFCON, I am ready to step down,” he stated. “What matters to me is that the national team wins. I am the first supporter of the Moroccan national team and I long to see Hakimi lift the cup.”
Responding to those doubting his capabilities, he added with conviction, “Some think Pep Guardiola, Ancelotti, or Jurgen Klopp could lead Morocco to the cup. I’d be the first to support that, but I am capable… I am Moroccan, and no one will love the country more than me.”
He concluded by emphasizing the strong support he receives from his players and from FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa, who “knows very well the work being done” and thus decided on his continuation as head coach.
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