Regragui: 'Defense Is Not Just Defenders; Having the Strongest Defenders in the World Doesn't Mean You Won't Concede Goals'

15 January 2026at14:15

Following Morocco's qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations final, head coach Walid Regragui defended his team's defensive system during a press conference. Responding to criticism regarding the backline's performance, Regragui asserted that statistics and on-field realities prove the defense's solidity and his immense trust in all players, both starters and substitutes.

Regragui stated, "Who have we struggled against? We are the best defense in Morocco's history, and in the qualifiers too. I am the one who struggled because I was forced to make changes; sometimes I would change El Yamiq, and other times another player would get injured."

The national coach added, "Today, Nigeria only had two shots, one of which was on target. You must give credit to the substitutes, it's as if you don't want to see them play well."

The Atlas Lions' coach continued, "You ask if we will win with El Yamiq, Saïss, or Masina? And what if we played against Cameroon or Nigeria? In the end, we played against them, so what happened?"

He further explained, "Defense is not just about the defenders. Having the best defenders in the world doesn't mean you won't concede goals. The first defender is El Kaabi, and the last is Masina."

The Atlas Lions' helmsman continued, "I trust everyone, especially Aguerd, who faced criticism at the start of the competition. Just give confidence to the defenders."

He added, "I agree with you that in some situations, we leave some spaces. Masina has impressed us since his arrival. My only doubt was the timing of his participation with Bologna and whether he would be immediately ready to enter the competition."

Regragui concluded by saying, "When you see him in training and when he performs his duties on the field, he is truly a soldier. You should rely on statistics to judge whether we have truly suffered defensively or not."

The Moroccan national team is set to face Senegal next Sunday in the Africa Cup of Nations final. The highly anticipated clash between the continent's giants will take place at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, promising intense rivalry and excitement.

Q&A

Why did Walid Regragui make changes to Morocco's defensive lineup?

Coach Regragui explained that defensive changes, such as substituting El Yamiq, were often necessitated by injuries or tactical adjustments. He emphasized his immense trust in all players, including substitutes, despite these shifts.

How does Walid Regragui define defense for the Moroccan national team?

Regragui asserts that defense is a collective team effort, extending beyond just the backline. He stated that the first defender is El Kaabi and the last is Masina, highlighting a full-team approach to solidity.

Who will Morocco play in the Africa Cup of Nations final?

Morocco is scheduled to face Senegal next Sunday in the Africa Cup of Nations final. This highly anticipated clash will take place at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.