By admin 
Rabat – Underneath strain since Morocco’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, nationwide crew coach Walid Regragui has responded to public criticism by highlighting the crew’s tactical shift towards a extra possession-based, attacking strategy.
Talking in an interview with French newspaper L’Équipe this week on Saturday, Regragui acknowledged Moroccans’ excessive expectations of the nationwide crew and the scrutiny that adopted their elimination within the AFCON spherical of 16. Nonetheless, he made it clear that the criticism doesn’t shake his resolve to have his crew play as he thinks they need to.
“I settle for criticism so long as it’s logical. That is a part of my job,” Regragui stated. He defined that he expects to be judged throughout every coaching camp, however stated he finds irritating the nitpicking over stylistic selections. “What bothers me most is the seek for small particulars, such because the fashion of play,” he famous.
Nevertheless, the coach pointed to onerous knowledge to defend his technique, stating, “Our offensive statistics converse for themselves, and it’s unlucky that we’re considered in the identical gentle because the World Cup, when it’s clear that there’s a distinction between the nationwide crew earlier than the World Cup and after it. We’re right this moment an attacking crew that relies upon on possession.”
Regragui described the AFCON exit as a tricky second that prompted essential change. “After the elimination in Côte d’Ivoire, the place the loss was very tough, I labored on a brand new dynamic to reorganize the Lions’ squad by relying on new gamers in new attacking roles,” he stated.
Learn additionally: AFCON or Out: Regragui Reveals Pact with Federation Chief
Backing up Regragui’s suggestion, L’Équipe shared statistics exhibiting a marked evolution in Morocco’s enjoying fashion. Since Regragui took cost, the crew has scored 71 objectives in 35 matches—greater than two per match on common—whereas conceding simply 17.
Moreover, for the reason that finish of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Morocco’s common ball possession has climbed to 61%, up from 45.5%. The crew additionally holds a 68% win fee underneath Regragui—the very best of any coach within the nationwide crew’s historical past.
Whereas the coach could also be dealing with scrutiny from followers and commentators, he has maintained unwavering assist from his gamers. Midfielder Brahim Diaz praised the environment within the crew and Regragui’s management.
“The Moroccan nationwide crew features a new era of gamers with nice ambition and a need to be taught,” Diaz stated. “A household environment prevails amongst us, with the utmost self-discipline and calls for. Regragui is aware of methods to convey out one of the best in every of us and motivates us to be courageous, to play with our hearts and minds collectively. We really feel that we’re constructing one thing nice, one thing that may encourage future generations and go away a real legacy.”
Team captain Achraf Hakimi echoed these ideas, emphasizing Regragui’s readability of imaginative and prescient. “Walid is aware of what he needs, and he has a transparent imaginative and prescient for this crew. We’re growing alongside him, and that is an important factor in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations,” Hakimi stated.
He added: “We’ve got an amazing accountability, as representing Morocco is a superb honor. We all know very effectively what our individuals count on from us, and we’re prepared. We’re working onerous, sustaining our focus, and we’ll do every part in our energy to win this title.”
As a part of their preparations for the upcoming continental event on house soil, the Moroccan nationwide crew will play two worldwide friendlies in opposition to Tunisia and Benin on Might 6 and eight. Each matches are scheduled to kick off at 21:00 (GMT+1) on the Fez Stadium.