What if the pleasant surprise arrived sooner than expected? Absent since November 4 due to a major sprain after a killer tackle by Luis Diaz in the Champions League, Achraf Hakimi was present at a press conference this Saturday with a smile alongside his coach Walid Regragui.
Asked about the state of form of his player, who resumed racing at the beginning of December, the Moroccan coach touched on his presence during the opening match of CAN 2025 against the Comoros which takes place this Sunday. But he didn’t rule it out…
“I want to say thank you to Hakimi, he sacrificed like no other for his country. This is an example. The protocol is more than positive. But there is competition to manage. I have one night left to sleep well, the coach began. Is he starting out, are we protecting him? We’ll see, it’ll be my decision. But he did more than the job. His injury was not easy and he made a strong decision for his country. It may start tomorrow… or not. This is an example. »
“I didn’t want to miss this competition”
For his part, the PSG right-back, who has been walking on water since last season, recalled the importance of this competition for him: “I didn’t want to miss this competition. As soon as I was injured I told the coach that I would do everything to play with the group. (…) If I don’t have to play for the team to win: I will. I think of the collective. If we win without me playing, it’s not a problem. »
The Moroccan also spoke about his role as captain and leader among the young people in the group: « As you said, this is my fourth CAN. I’m an elder now. But this one is different, I am in front of the people, the family, the friends. It is special for all Moroccans. It’s more motivation to play, defend the country and give everything for the jersey. I am ready to fight for the team and the question of whether I play will have to be asked to the coach. My role as captain is to set an example on and off the field. I speak with all the players, we will try to find the balance with the older ones and the younger ones. We have to motivate all the players and let them know that this is the opportunity of a lifetime. »
At 27, the PSG player has already enjoyed great success with Morocco, including a World Cup semi-final, lost against France. At home, the right back and his teammates will try to make history by winning the CAN for the first time since 1976.
