Walid Regragui presented himself, this Tuesday, November 12, at a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Center in Salé, on the sidelines of the match against Gabon which will take place this Friday, November 15, on behalf of the 5th day of the qualifiers of the CAN 2025. The opportunity for the coach of the Atlas Lions to review his choices of players and the objectives of this gathering.
Asked straight away about the absence of Hakim Ziyech which created a lively controversy, Walid Regragui wanted to set the record straight, affirming that it was simply a sporting choice, in the sense that the Galatasaray player does not have the necessary playing time to be one of the players called up.
“I contacted Hakim, the controversies on the list are surprising. Hakim must get back in shape and work with his team, when he finds his best level he will come back. The team has changed and the competition is tough. You have to get playing time to be able to be called up for selection,” he said, emphasizing that he had several choices that allowed him to put together the best team.
“We have a lot of choice. The duty to achieve results and live up to expectations is important. The group lives well and trains hard. We are first in our group thanks to the work of the players. Each match brings us closer to the goal of growing and being ready for CAN 2025 at home”explains the national coach.
Regragui also justified his choice to finally call up the Toulouse player, Zakaria Aboukhlal. “Zakaria Aboukhlal took a little time due to an injury but he came back strong and that’s what selection is all about. He is having a great season with Toulouse FC and I wanted to see him again with us,” he said.
Concerning the rumors of change of sporting nationality of certain players such as Omar El Hilali, Couhaib Driouech or even Zakaria El Ouahdi, the coach is clear: “Whoever wants to go to another selection, let him go, I have no problem. Morocco is bigger than all, and we do not accept blackmail.”
“I’m not holding back any player, the team has grown and that’s the important thing. We are in the top 13 and that attracts other selections to the binationals. Blackmail will never work with me. Morocco waits for no one”, he said.
Addressing the problem that arises for the selection, namely defense, Rguragui indicated that indeed, “the central hinge is the real problem”.
“Adam Masina is a starter for Torino in Serie A. I would like to see how he can play in a 4-man defense or in the future play in a 3-man defense. We have gaps with Chadi’s injury and Nayef’s fear Aguerd. This is an opportunity for me to find central defenders,” explains the Moroccan technician.
The Atlas Lions coach also announced the arrival of Reda Belahyane in the group to replace Amir Richaridson.
“Richardson felt a little problem with his calf, so we decided to call on Reda Belahyane. I didn’t call Reda at first because I wanted to see Amir Richardson again who had some great performances with Fiorentina. Unfortunately he is injured, so naturally it is Reda Belahyane who will be with us”he noted.
