Fez – Head coach of Morocco’s football team Vahid Halilhodzic has once again lashed out at the Moroccan media, refuting the widely circulating rumors about his potential dismissal.
Following Morocco’s frustrating exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year, several Moroccan news outlets and critics launched a fierce online campaign against the French-Bosnian coach, calling for his immediate dismissal.
In an interview with the football-focused website Kooora on March 8, Halilhidzic hit back at the Moroccan media and overtly criticized the “unjustifiable” campaign against him.
“I know that you [media] don’t like me. I don’t like you as well. It’s a shared feeling,” he noted.
Halilhodzic also dispelled rumors of his potential dismissal from the Moroccan national team, stressing that he is still Morocco’s Atlas Lions head coach.
“I’m much stronger now, and the rumors no longer affect me as before. I’m currently working at my office and no longer care about what was or will be said about me,” he said.
In recent weeks, several reports have hinted at an anticipated departure of the Franco-Bosnian coach as many Moroccans continue to urge the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to look for a better coach for Morocco’s team ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Read also: Sorry Ziyech, Mazraoui: Halilhodzic Was Never the Coach Morocco Needs
The speculations were further fueled by recent remarks from FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa.
Last month, Lekjaa said in an interview that while Halilhodzic still had the support of the FRMF leadership, the Franco-Bosnian coach “is not untouchable.”
The FRMF president also noted that he would be holding a meeting with Halilhodzic after the Franco-Bosnian’s return from vacation to discuss many issues, including the months-long rift between him and red-listed players as Morocco prepares for a tough World Cup.
As the Moroccan football fans wait with bated breath for the outcome of the highly anticipated meeting between Halilhodzic and the FRMF leadership, several international media are already speculating about the beleaguered coach’s possible replacement.
British news outlet Daily Mail reported last week that renowned Portuguese coach Andre Villas-Boas is being considered as a likely replacement for the Halilhodzic.
Citing the Franco-Bosnian coach’s disappointing exit from this year’s AFCON and his ongoing rift with Chelsea creative midfielder Hakim Ziyech and Ajax right-back Noussair Mazraoui, the news outlet suggested Halilhodzic could be sacked soon.
