Latest news with #WalidRegragui
Ya Biladi
2 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
«You won't find anyone better than me to win AFCON», says Morocco coach Regragui
Estimated read time: 2' Today, national team coach Walid Regragui expressed full confidence in his ability to lead Morocco to victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco at the end of the year. Speaking at a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Maamoura, where he announced the squad for upcoming friendly matches against Tunisia (June 6) and Benin (June 9) at the Grand Stadium of Fez, Regragui addressed rumors about his potential departure from the national team. He declared, «You won't find anyone better than me to win the Africa Cup of Nations». «If anyone thinks Guardiola, Ancelotti, or Klopp can win it, they should go sit down with them and plead their case. I'm capable of doing it. No one will do it better than me». Regragui described the two friendly matches as crucial tests to evaluate players ahead of the tournament. «Since the Africa Cup of Nations will see us facing African teams, choosing Tunisia and Benin is important», he explained, noting that both teams have strong defenses that will help Morocco prepare effectively. On the absence of some players, he said, «We're not here to chase or seduce anyone. Players must earn the right to represent Morocco». He added, «Our mission is to attract the best players who choose to represent Morocco with their hearts. If a player isn't called up, it means they haven't secured their place yet or have other options». He urged fans to support the players who have accepted the call to wear the national jersey. Regarding the missing defenders, Regragui clarified, «About 90 percent of the defenders are out due to injury, but this gives us the chance to test new players and confirm our choices after these two matches». He also noted that «these absences just happened to coincide with the friendly match period». He reaffirmed, «We have a project to build a strong defense, which is why I'm experimenting with different players to find the best combination». Regragui stressed that while «the team's core remains stable, changes depend on player form, injuries, and decisions by the technical staff». He concluded, «Winning the Africa Cup of Nations requires talented players, passionate fans, and above all, a winning mentality that must be deeply embedded in the team—it's essential for success».
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Regragui Rejects Sweden Friendly to Focus on AFCON Prep
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has revealed that he turned down a proposed friendly against Sweden during the upcoming international break, insisting that preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil remains the priority. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Morocco's matches against Tunisia and Benin, Regragui confirmed the Swedish football federation had proposed a fixture to be held in Europe, but the offer was declined. 'We had an opportunity to face a European side. Sweden approached us but they wanted to host the match,' Regragui said. 'We're preparing for the AFCON at home. It's better to stick to the plan and play in our own conditions.' The Atlas Lions will instead remain in Morocco for both June fixtures, with Fes chosen as the host city, marking the national team's first appearance there in 16 years. 'Playing in Fes was my decision. The fans there haven't seen the national team in over a decade. It's time to give them that chance.' Upcoming Fixtures Morocco vs Tunisia – Friday, June 6 at 9 p.m. local time Morocco vs Benin – Monday, June 7 at 9.m. local time Both matches will take place at Stade de Fès as Morocco continues preparations for AFCON 2025. Tags: Atlas LionsMoroccoswedenWalid Regragui
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Morocco unveils squad for friendlies against Tunisia and Benin
Estimated read time: 1' Morocco has announced the squad selected by national coach Walid Regragui for the upcoming friendly matches against Tunisia and Benin. The Atlas Lions will face Tunisia on June 6, followed by a match against Benin on June 9. Both games will be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with kickoff scheduled for 21:00 (GMT+1). قائمة المنتخب الوطني المستدعاة للمقابلتين الوديتين أمام منتخبي تونس و البنين ?️Squad list of our National Team called up for the two friendly games against Tunisia ?? & Benin ?? #DimaMaghrib?? — Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) May 27, 2025 According to the list released by the Moroccan team on Tuesday, the squad includes: Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, El Mehdi Benabid. Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Omar El Hilali, Abdelkabir Abqar, Abdelhak Assal, Jawad El Yamiq, Oussama El Azzouzi, Adam Masina, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Youssef Belammari. Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Oussama Targhalline, Azzedine Ounahi, Amir Richardson, Ismael Saibari, Bilal El Khannouss. Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Soufiane Rahimi, Marouane Sanadi, Ayoub El Kaabi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Hamza Igamane, Osame Sahraoui, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli.
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Regragui: 'I'm the right man to win AFCON with Morocco'
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has delivered an emotional response to his critics, reaffirming he is hell-bent on leading the Atlas Lions to their second Africa Cup of Nations title. Speaking in the squad-list press conference ahead of this month's friendlies against Tunisia and Benin, Regragui said he remains fully committed to the national team project and dismissed social media commentary as background noise. 'I can't control the rumours. Some people sit in cafés and criticise players and coaches just to get likes,' he said. 'I accept criticism – as long as the players are protected.' Regragui stressed his passion for the job and declared himself fully confident in his ability to win the trophy on home soil this year. 'If there's someone better than me, I'll step aside. I'm the first fan of this team. I want to see Hakimi lift the trophy,' he said. 'If people want Guardiola, Ancelotti or Klopp, I'll sit in front of them and beg. But I believe I'm the one who can do it.' The Morocco boss added: 'I'm Moroccan first and foremost. No one loves this country more than I do. If you want someone with blue eyes, go ahead. But my players are behind me and ready to fight.' Morocco face Tunisia on Friday, 6 June, before meeting Benin on Monday, June 9, with both matches set to take place in Fes. Tags: afconAFCON 2025MoroccoWalid Regragui
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Regragui: Morocco's Is an Attacking Team That Depends on Possession
Rabat – Under pressure since Morocco's early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire, national team coach Walid Regragui has responded to public criticism by highlighting the team's tactical shift toward a more possession-based, attacking approach. Speaking in an interview with French newspaper L'Équipe this week on Saturday, Regragui acknowledged Moroccans' high expectations of the national team and the scrutiny that followed their elimination in the AFCON round of 16. Still, he made it clear that the criticism doesn't shake his resolve to have his team play as he thinks they should. 'I accept criticism as long as it is logical. This is part of my job,' Regragui said. He explained that he expects to be judged during each training camp, but said he finds frustrating the nitpicking over stylistic choices. 'What bothers me most is the search for small details, such as the style of play,' he noted. However, the coach pointed to hard data to defend his strategy, stating, 'Our offensive statistics speak for themselves, and it is unfortunate that we are viewed in the same light as the World Cup, when it is clear that there is a difference between the national team before the World Cup and after it. We are today an attacking team that depends on possession.' Regragui described the AFCON exit as a tough moment that prompted necessary change. 'After the elimination in Côte d'Ivoire, where the loss was very difficult, I worked on a new dynamic to reorganize the Lions' squad by relying on new players in new attacking roles,' he said. Read also: AFCON or Out: Regragui Reveals Pact with Federation Chief Backing up Regragui's suggestion, L'Équipe shared statistics showing a marked evolution in Morocco's playing style. Since Regragui took charge, the team has scored 71 goals in 35 matches—more than two per match on average—while conceding just 17. Additionally, since the end of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Morocco's average ball possession has climbed to 61%, up from 45.5%. The team also holds a 68% win rate under Regragui—the highest of any coach in the national team's history. While the coach may be facing scrutiny from fans and commentators, he has maintained unwavering support from his players. Midfielder Brahim Diaz praised the atmosphere in the team and Regragui's leadership. 'The Moroccan national team includes a new generation of players with great ambition and a desire to learn,' Diaz said. 'A family atmosphere prevails among us, with the utmost discipline and demands. Regragui knows how to bring out the best in each of us and motivates us to be brave, to play with our hearts and minds together. We feel that we are building something great, something that can inspire future generations and leave a true legacy.' Team captain Achraf Hakimi echoed those thoughts, emphasizing Regragui's clarity of vision. 'Walid knows what he wants, and he has a clear vision for this team. We are developing alongside him, and this is the most important thing in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations,' Hakimi said. He added: 'We have a great responsibility, as representing Morocco is a great honor. We know very well what our people expect from us, and we are ready. We are working hard, maintaining our focus, and we will do everything in our power to win this title.' As part of their preparations for the upcoming continental tournament on home soil, the Moroccan national team will play two international friendlies against Tunisia and Benin on May 6 and 8. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 21:00 (GMT+1) at the Fez Stadium. Tags: 2025 afconMorocco national teamregraguiWalid Regragui
