Regragui's Key Press Conference Points: Moroccan Fan Criticism, Diaz's Importance for AFCON Victory, and Hakimi's "Captain" Role
Moroccan national team coach Walid Regragui appeared before journalists this Sunday morning during a press conference ahead of tomorrow's match, where the Moroccan national team will face Zambia in the third round of the group stage (Group A) of the Africa Cup of Nations "Morocco 2025" competition. Here are the key statements made by Walid Regragui:
Regarding the Zambia match, Regragui stated: "We have an opportunity to finish this round at the top of the group to remain in Rabat, and this has been our main objective since the start of the competition. Then the knockout phase begins, which is known for its difficulty. What matters to us today, of course, is to continue our development."
When asked if he is the right coach to win the Africa Cup of Nations, he responded: "Yes, I still believe what I said, otherwise I wouldn't be sitting here now. You won't find anyone better than me to win this cup, whether you like it or not. I have more confidence than anyone else in winning the Africa Cup of Nations. At the end of the party, the musicians are paid. This is how I have always worked, whether with FUS, Wydad, Al-Duhail, or at the World Cup. We are united like a family, and we know what we must deliver for Moroccan football, and we are ready for it. But we know we will suffer."
On the importance of Brahim Diaz, Regragui said: "I am happy for Brahim because he received a lot of criticism in friendly matches or qualifiers, as we expect a lot from him, and he has understood what we expect. He is an important player for us and can make a difference at any moment. He has settled well into the AFCON atmosphere. Diaz can give us the win from a single attempt. What matters to me is not just scoring, but the spirit he has shown, where he defends more and demands the ball well. He is at the service of the team, and that is what we ask of him. We know we will need him if we want to win the AFCON."
Regarding Achraf Hakimi's readiness, he stated: "I believe many do not realize the extent of the contribution Hakimi brings to our national team. We played two matches without our best player, without our captain and one of the team's most important pillars, yet we did not use that as an excuse in evaluating our performance. We are handling his situation cautiously, and what is certain is that he will participate in tomorrow's match. Will he start or not? That is something we will decide later, but what is certain is that it will be his first match in the Africa Cup of Nations."
Addressing criticism from Moroccan fans, Regragui commented: "I know the Moroccan environment. Unfortunately, I thought we could change some things, but nothing changes. I told the players that 95% of Moroccans love you and are happy, and 5% are those who shout a lot. We have raised the level of expectations; we now have 4 points, and tomorrow, God willing, if we win, we will have 7 points, yet people are not happy. This is the level of expectation we wanted. As I said, when you want to be a great footballing nation, you have to accept these things, and I accept them. What happens does not keep me awake. The love the public gives us is the most important thing, and when they criticize us, they also help us; this is the game."
On the perceived underestimation of Hakimi, he added: "I don't want to mention other national teams, but if a player like Sadio Mané is absent from Senegal or Mohamed Salah from Egypt, it will be said that the team missed its best elements. Today, in Morocco, this is not talked about much, and perhaps Hakimi's role is underestimated. I don't know, maybe because they are not aware of it, but in any case, I feel that with Achraf, we will become a more solid and stronger team, and that is certain."
