Morocco coach Walid Regragui takes responsibility: “If I’m not the right man for the job, I’ll leave”
- panafricafootball
- May 27
- 3 min read
A few months before the next African Cup of Nations, national coach Walid Regragui has unveiled the list of players selected for the two friendly matches against Benin and Tunisia.
In an unfiltered press conference held this Monday, the Moroccan coach discussed his strong choices, his convictions, and his fierce desire to guide the Atlas Lions to a continental title.
Fez, a choice of heart and duty
After Tangier and Oujda, the coach opted for the city of Fez to play the two friendly matches scheduled for early June. A symbolic choice that Regragui fully accepts: "It's been 16 years since Fez last saw the national team. It was my duty to give them this opportunity." The Lions will face Tunisia on Friday, June 6 at 9:00 p.m., then Benin on Monday, June 9 at the same time, at the Grand Stade de Fez.
Adam Aznou, left at Bayern's disposal
The young full-back Adam Aznou, despite being in full form, is not on the list. This decision is made by the coach, who wants him to participate in the Club World Cup with Bayern Munich: "This kind of opportunity can change a career. I know his level, but this training camp is also an opportunity for me to observe other players."
Criticism, Rumors, and Truth
Asked about the criticism of Raja Casablanca player Youssef Belammari, Regragui didn't mince his words: "I don't look at clubs, I look at performances. Some write lies, and that harms the player as well as the team. Belammari is here for the fourth time, except in November when he was injured." He also deplores certain media excesses: "People who have never set foot in a stadium talk on social media for likes. I'm open to criticism, but as long as my players are protected." »
Absentees, New Players, and Gambling
The coach explained the absence of Wydad Casablanca defender Jamal Harkass as a purely technical decision, highlighting the need to test players like Abderrahmane Assal and Marouane Sanadi: "Harkass has done some good things, but I wanted to see other players. The most important thing is for everyone to know he can come back if he performs well." Regragui also discussed the arrival of Sanadi, a young striker from the Spanish league with Athletic Bilbao: "I want to see if he can wear this jersey with pride. He's a player who can count for the future."
Brahim Diaz Reassuring
The coach confirmed that Brahim Diaz, who recently suffered an injury with Real Madrid, should be able to play: "He felt some pain, but the tests are reassuring. We're monitoring him closely; everything suggests he'll be ready for the first match." »
The Dream of an African Title
Regragui spoke emotionally about his ambition to win the African Cup of Nations with Morocco, rejecting any form of insecurity or resignation: "I'm Moroccan, and I'm proud. If you want a coach with blue eyes, bring him. But you won't find anyone more patriotic than me. If I weren't capable of winning, I would have left. But I believe in this team, and we will do everything we can to lift this trophy."
The full list of 28 players selected
Goalkeepers
Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia)
Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane, Morocco)
Mehdi Benabid (WAC Casablanca)
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi (PSG, France)
Omar Hilali (Espanyol, Spain)
Abdelkabir Abqar (Alaves, Spain)
Abdelhak Assal (RS Berkane, Morocco)
Jawad El Yamiq (Al Wahda, United Arab Emirates)
Oussama El Azzouzi (FC Bologna, Italy)
Adam Masina (Udinese, Italy)
Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk, Belgium)
Youssef Belammari (Raja Casablanca, Morocco)
Midfielders
Azzedine Ounahi (Panathinaikos, Greece)
Bilal El Khannouss (Leicester, England)
Sofyan Amrabat (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
Amir Richardson (Fiorentina, Italy)
Oussama Targhaline (Feynoord, Netherlands)
Ismail Saibari (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands)
Forwards
Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid, Spain)
Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco, France)
Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain, United Arab Emirates)
Marouan Sanadi (Athletic Bilbao, Spain)
Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiakos, Greece)
Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
Hamza Igamane (Rangers, Scotland)
Osame Sahraoui (LOSC, France)
Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis, Spain)
EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.
