Regragui: 'No one proved better than Saïss in his absence... The current squad needs experienced players'

Walid Regragui expressed satisfaction with the Moroccan national team's defenders, despite continuing to experiment with different names in each match. He also praised captain Romain Saïss, who returned for the current training camp.

Following the victory over Mozambique, the national coach responded in the post-match press conference to questions about the team's defensive solidity not being fully tested due to facing weaker opponents. He stated: “We have played many matches without our full defense; sometimes Hakimi, Mazraoui, Aguerd, or Masina are absent. We always make changes, yet we don't concede goals, which is proof of our defensive strength.”

He added: “Certainly, we can concede goals, whether from a corner kick or an individual effort from a specific player. But what matters is that we have confidence and we are not afraid; even if we concede, we can score. As a coach, I have tried many defenders, but I trust my defensive line players 200%.”

Regarding the returning Romain Saïss, Regragui said: “Saïss is an experienced player, and when he was absent and injured, no one showed they were better than Saïss or Nayef (Aguerd). Saïss has played in the World Cup twice and the Africa Cup of Nations, I believe, three times. Currently, we have a young squad, and they need someone to guide them, because the pressure will be present in the Africa Cup of Nations. They need to realize that the Africa Cup of Nations must stay in Morocco, and this desire can only be conveyed through experienced players.”