Hakim Ziyech has admitted he’s not yet at his best after joining Qatari side Al Duhail. Speaking ahead of his team’s match against Al-Shahaniya, the former Chelsea star revealed he’s still working on getting back to peak form following a poor spell at Galatasaray.
The 31-year-old playmaker, who joined Al Duhail four weeks ago, is taking his time to adjust to both the club and the Qatar Stars League. “I’m working every day to get back to my best,” Ziyech said. “It’s a gradual process, but I’m confident that I will get there.”
Despite great technical skills, Ziyech has struggled in recent seasons. His time at Galatasaray was marred by injuries and a falling out with manager Okan Buruk, leaving him down the pecking order and far from the top of his game.
Al Duhail’s manager, Christophe Galtier, echoed Ziyech’s sentiments, saying that the Moroccan playmaker is still far from his usual level but is expected to improve in the coming weeks.
With Morocco’s next squad call-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers around the corner, Ziyech faces stiff competition for a place in the national team. The rise of younger talent in the squad has made his position more uncertain. Walid Regragui, Morocco’s coach, has now plenty of options to replace him, with the man-in-form Chemsdine Talbi, Soufiane Rahimi, and the returning Amine Adli.
Hakim Ziyech has made the move to Al Duhail in Qatar after a difficult time at Galatasaray.
The transfer should offer Ziyech a fresh start to find his feet. Though he admits he’s not fully fit, the Moroccan is determined to get back to his best. The move allows him to escape the pressure of European football and focus on regaining his form in the Qatar Stars League.
