Morocco National Team Head Coach Walid Regragui held on Friday a press conference ahead of the quarter-finals featuring Morocco vs Portugal.
Walid Regragui’s team looks to continue on a streak of surprising wins as the fourth African country to reach the quarter-finals, going up against Portugal will “be a difficult contest” as the Head Coach described.
“I’m proud of my team for getting to this step”, Regragui describes his team’s pride and happiness, following the support from African countries and the Arab world through social media platforms and in the stadiums. He added “it motivates us more to push and make history at Al-Thumama Stadium this Saturday.”
Regragui, responding to injury issues in his squad, said “since the beginning (of the World Cup), we have been plagued by injuries and sickness, though we work on giving 100%, but our squad has 26 players.” adding that if Nayef Aguerd cannot play then the team has replacements who will give their best performance.
Nayef Aguerd went out injured in Spain vs Morocco clash, after a successful tackle on Alvaro Morata.
Several players, including Romain Saiss and Noussair Mazraoui, were subbed off during the game due to fatigue-induced injuries. Examinations are ongoing regarding their state as to whether or not they will be fully fit for Saturday’s game.
“Whoever enters, we will give our all, and we’re not looking for excuses for injuries.” The coach later added.
Regragui described his pride in having quality players in his squad ready to give their best to their country, “What’s magnificent is that our squad isn’t fully at 100%, but our spirit is.”
The coach later stated that he and his team are not in the clouds. After being a sensation for Moroccan, Arab and African supporters, he believes the team can reach for bigger heights. Adding that “the moment we become satisfied is when the dream will end.”
Regragui believes that his side is only fueled by positive expectations, “A national team needs to be a flag bearer and an inspiration for positive emotions for all the people.” Describes the coach.
Morocco will face Portugal at 4:00 pm Moroccan time at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, a match that promises historical heights for Morocco, as well as Portugal, who have not qualified for the semi-finals since 2006.
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