Casablanca — Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, has asked Morocco’s National Team Manager Hervé Renard to give more respect to the Moroccan press, reports Le360.
In an important meeting held Monday, November 14 between Lekjaa and Renard, Lekjaa criticized comments made by Renard regarding the national team. In a press conference before the Morocco – Ivory Coast game on Saturday, Lekjaa seemed to highlight the strength of the IC team and downplay those of the Lions.
The Moroccan press and observers alike did not appreciate the fact that Renard seemed defeatist, belittling his own team despite the fact that it contains some of the best soccer players in Africa.
Prior to joining the Moroccan national team, Renard was the Ivory Coast’s national team and helped them with the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015.
During Monday’s meeting with Renard, Lekjaa reportedly condemned these comments, especially given that Renard had been given full clearance to build the best football team and choose his own players.
Lekjaa also condemned Renard’s lack of communication with the Moroccan press, favoring instead French sports publications such as France Football, L’Equipe and RFI. The Moroccan press considered his disregard for them as a sign of disrespect.
