Rabat – Morocco’s head coach of the national football team Walid Regragui has full confidence in his Atlas Lions, who will face Croatia on Wednesday as part of the 2022 World Cup.
In a pre-match press conference, Regragui acknowledged that tomorrow’s match will be a difficult game, emphasizing that Croatia has world-class players.
“We are ready to give the maximum and to please our supporters,” he said, before commenting on some teams’ performances during the first World Cup matches.
Commenting on Senegal’s football match against the Netherlands, Regragui mentioned that he hoped to see the African football team win against the Netherlands.
“We wanted the Senegalese [team] to get three points,[or] even a draw, they would have deserved it. But we are in a group of death too,” Regragui said, referring to Group F in which Morocco is placed as part of the World Cup draw.
In addition to Croatia, Morocco will also play against Belgium on November 27 and against Canada on December 1.
“We have good players… It will not be easy to play for sure,” Regragui said, stressing the presence of big names within the Atlas lions – including Hakim Ziyech, Noussair Mazraoui, and Sofiane Boufal.
“What is important is to be consistent in the game. You have to know what to do with it [ the ball]. It will be a real tactical and technical match. The midfield will be important,” the coach explained.
Regragui expressed confidence and the trust in which he puts on his team, including Ziyech.
“Ziyech is a top player… We need his best version. We need his qualities. I look forward to his return. The country needs him and loves him. I’m not worried about him,” the coach said.
Regragui is equally unconcerned about the absence of some of his injured players, including Selim Amallah.
The coach said that some injuries will not prevent the players from doing their best.“We are 26 [players],” he added.
On the topic of injured players, he wished a speedy recovery for those suffering from injuries, such as Amine Harit, who was initially part of the 25 summoned players before suffering a serious injury during a match with his club Olympique Marseille earlier this month.
“We were sad. We relied heavily on him. We are disappointed,” the coach said.
Regragui also extended his congratulations to Saudi Arabia for their win against Argentina and said he has a good relationship with former coach of Morocco’s national team Herve Renard.
“Herve is a friend with whom I exchange a lot. We were very happy for Saudi Arabia,” the coach said.
Moroccans are full of hope to see the Atlas Lions making spectacular performances during the 2022 World Cup.
The Atlas Lions have frequently expressed determination to do their best in the long-awaited game.
