Diaz, Saïss, CAN 2025… Here is the gist of the press conference by the national coach, Walid Regragui, on the eve of the friendly match against Angola.
Walid Regragui, national coach, spoke at a press conference this Thursday March 21 at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, on the eve of the friendly match against Angola.
He first spoke of the early elimination in the round of 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations: “the disappointment affected all Moroccans after the elimination. We are in a new cycle. We have chosen two interesting opponents, including a CAN quarter-finalist. It’s a good test.”
“Criticism is welcome, we accept it, me first. I have always taken my responsibilities. We are now looking to the future. We have a home CAN ahead of us. We must not kill this group barely a year after the 2022 World Cup,” added the coach.
Regragui then talks about the summons of Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid midfielder and the work done upstream: “we worked for a year and a half on the Diaz file. It wasn’t easy and the timing worked in our favor. We had his word when he transferred to Madrid after our trip to Milan. He’s a great player, we’re happy. We must congratulate him because he chose Morocco when Spain called him. “It didn’t come after the World Cup, but after CAN 2023 and after a competition that we missed.”
“Let’s not forget Akhomach. Eliesse ben Seghir is also very promising, he will be a great player. He chose Morocco at 19,” added the national coach.
Asked about the Atlas Lions infirmary, Regragui said that “Amine Adli felt slight pain this week. So we are waiting to know what it is.”
As the Olympics approach, he does not close the door to the participation of Brahim Diaz: “If Brahim Diaz is requested by the U23 national coach and Real Madrid gives the green light, we will be delighted to see him at the Olympic Games of Paris 2024.
Asked about the absence of Amine Harit, Olympique de Marseille midfielder who does not suffer from any injury, Regragui explained: “I have complete confidence in him. We have two friendlies and we have to do tests. We need to see new players in this position and bring in new blood. He deserved to be there, but it’s my choice. He can come back, it’s not definitive.”
He also speaks about the return of Soufiane Rahimi, “a patient and hard-working player”: “He has the desire to return to the selection and I give him as an example. I am happy to have him back. He has the quality to help us in attack.”
Regragui then explains about the absence of the captain of the selection, the central defender of Al-Shabab FC, Romain Saïss: “it’s hard not to have our captain with us after the CAN. But it is not an individual sanction. I went to Saudi Arabia to tell him my decision. I want to see young people in this position. We must prepare for the future.”
Par Le360sport
2024-03-21 22:46:00
#essence #Walid #Regraguis #conference
