Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has dismissed reports suggesting he intervened in Youssef Belammari’s club future, following speculation that he had urged the player to leave Raja Casablanca.
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has dismissed reports suggesting he intervened in Youssef Belammari’s club future, following speculation that he had urged the player to leave Raja Casablanca.
Belammari’s inclusion in the squad for Morocco’s upcoming friendlies against Tunisia and Benin comes amid rumours that Regragui had advised the defender to seek a move away from his current club.
“When I returned from Europe, I heard talk about Belammari. What was said is completely false,” Regragui told reporters in the press conference to announce the squad list.
“I don’t care where a player plays – I care about his performance. I do not interfere in transfers. At most, I might offer advice if asked.”
Regragui expressed frustration at the spread of misinformation, warning that such speculation can distract both players and the national team.
“Sometimes I feel like going to the media area to respond to those spreading lies. These things are not helpful for the player or for the national team.”
The Morocco boss insisted that Belammari’s repeated selection was based on form, not club affiliation.
“He’s been with us four times. I didn’t call him up in November because he was injured. If a player has the level, I select him — it’s as simple as that.”
Morocco face Tunisia on Friday, 6 June, before meeting Benin on Monday, 9 June, with both matches set to take place in Fes.
