Regragui: 'Only 5% of Moroccans are Complaining; Criticism Doesn't Keep Me Awake'

Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui addressed the fans' anger, particularly following the 1-1 draw against Mali in the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations, a match that ended with boos from the crowd.

Speaking on Sunday at the pre-match press conference ahead of the Zambia game, Regragui stated: “Through my experience, I have been a player, then an assistant, and now a coach. I am calm because I understand the Moroccan environment. Unfortunately, I thought we could change some things, but nothing changes. Achraf Hakimi can attest to my words; I told the players that 95% of Moroccans love you and are happy, while 5% are the ones who complain loudly.”

He added: “We are focused on our objective, we remain calm, and we know what we are doing and what needs to be done. It’s extraordinary; we have raised the level of expectations. Currently, in Morocco, we have four points, and tomorrow, God willing, if we win, we will have seven points, yet people are still unhappy. This is the level of expectation we aimed for. As I said, if you want to be a major footballing nation, you must accept these things, and I do. What is happening does not keep me awake,” he remarked, referring to the criticism.

Regragui further noted: “I am calm because we are aware of the work we are putting in. What matters to me is the team, and our goal is to make our fans proud, knowing that they support us. The noise remains just noise; the truth is on the pitch. Of the last six teams to win the AFCON, only once did a champion finish the group stage with nine points, and another champion had just three points. The love the public gives us is the most important thing, and when they criticize us, they also help us – that’s the nature of the game.”