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Rabat – Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has defended his World Cup squad selection and refused to use injuries or absences as an excuse for the Atlas Lions’ quarterfinal elimination.
Speaking during his post-tournament press conference, Ouahbi acknowledged that Morocco were without important players but insisted that leading national teams must remain competitive in difficult circumstances.
“I do not want to search for excuses because of injuries or absences,” he said. “A major national team must be capable of competing regardless of the circumstances.”
“Our goal is to build a strong squad that gives players opportunities and remains ready for major competitions.”
Ouahbi also responded to criticism of the players he selected for the World Cup and those he left out.
He said it becomes easy to question decisions after a defeat, but maintained that the final squad was chosen according to clear sporting criteria.
“After a defeat, it becomes easy to say that a certain player should have been called up,” Ouahbi said.
“But the choices were not random. They were based on what the players showed during training camps, their physical readiness and their technical qualities. We trust the group that was selected.”
The coach admitted that finalizing the squad had been particularly difficult because several players were competing at a similar level.
“The choices were extremely difficult,” he said. “The difference between the players who were selected and those who remained outside the squad was very small.”
‘We did not produce the match we wanted’
Morocco’s campaign ended with a 2-0 quarterfinal defeat to France, as the Atlas Lions struggled to replicate the performances that had carried them through the earlier rounds.
“Against France, we did not produce the match we had hoped for,” Ouahbi admitted.
However, he said Morocco’s objective should not be limited to defeating one particular opponent.
“The focus should not only be on beating France,” he said. “It should be on preserving our identity and producing a better level of performance.”
“This experience will make us stronger, and we have young players who will gain important experience for the future.”
Morocco entered the quarterfinal without Ismael Saibari, who was ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury against Canada.
The team had also dealt with several fitness problems before and during the competition.
