Hakimi: 'We Also Feel the Pain of Criticism; Don't Forget Regragui Led Us to World Cup Semifinals'

Captain Achraf Hakimi sent a direct message to the angry Moroccan fans, affirming that players are sometimes affected by criticism. He urged everyone to unite behind the national team to achieve great things, starting with winning the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Paris Saint-Germain player stated on Sunday during the pre-match press conference against Zambia: "We know that the fans always want to see the national team win. After what we achieved in the World Cup, by finishing fourth, Morocco has changed, and as the coach said, this is the new Morocco. But we must remain humble. Playing the Africa Cup of Nations in our country does not mean it will be easy."

He added: "We need our fans by our side, not against us. Even you journalists must support the team and stay together, rather than criticize us, because we need positive messages, and that's how we can achieve great things. We are human too. We sometimes say that we don't care about criticism, but that's not true; we hear it and we feel the pain."

Hakimi concluded by speaking about national coach Walid Regragui, stating: "The coach is facing criticism, but don't forget that he is the one who led us to the World Cup semifinals; he changed Morocco. We have the best coach to win this cup; thanks to him, the mentality of Moroccans has changed, and I am one of them, and we are happy to have him with us."

It is worth noting that Morocco will face Zambia tomorrow, Monday, at 20:00 GMT+1, in the third and final match of Group A.