2024-04-15 05:06:20
“We approached this CAN with the reputation of fourth at the World Cup, so each team was looking to defeat the Moroccan team. We were not up to the task, perhaps because of the pressure. It is a competition which “has not been easy for us historically. We must examine the problems that hinder us to resolve them in anticipation of the next CAN in Morocco,” said Regragui in an interview broadcast by the Arryadia channel on Friday.
“We are among the teams that generated the most chances during this CAN and we had possession of the ball, but we lacked efficiency. We must work on this aspect,” also pleaded the Moroccan technician.
Returning to the preparation for this CAN, Regragui affirmed that the conditions were good. “Our preparation began 15 days before the first match. We went early to acclimatize, this is what had to be done in terms of preparation. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation ensured the right conditions for this participation,” he said. -he said.
Regarding the changes made in the composition of the team during the competition, Regragui affirmed that they were motivated by the profile of each player and his usefulness for each match, without forgetting the injuries and illnesses which required modifications within the squad. band.
Addressing the competitiveness of certain players called up, he noted that “on the physical side, there is no logic. We had a high-level World Cup with non-starting players in their clubs. Perhaps that “It’s the mentality that affected the team’s play.”
Regragui also spoke about the incident with DR Congo player Chancel Mbemba which led to his suspension, which was later overturned by the CAF Appeals Committee. “Maybe it’s me who’s at fault. I like to approach the players in good faith and greet them, but perhaps the timing was bad. These are things that happen in football.”
Asked about his choices of players during the 3rd match of the group stage against Zambia, and the reason why he did not spare certain executives given that Morocco was already qualified, the national coach explained that the Moroccan team had to win this match to finish at the top of the group, have a lower ranked opponent in the eighth and stay in San Pedro.
“We also shouldn’t rotate the squad a lot, because we risked having key players lacking competition,” he added.
Returning to the case of Hakim Ziyech, injured during the same match and who was then unavailable against South Africa in the round of 16, Regragui assured that he had to play a half against Zambia, but he was injured 5 minutes before the end of the first half.
In addition, the national coach estimated that the coronation of Côte d’Ivoire was not due to luck. “The Ivorian selection changed its face in the second round and had the mentality to win. Perhaps the difficult first round was a source of motivation for the Ivorians. It is a good example in sport,” he said. -he says.
“We wanted to reiterate the joy experienced at the World Cup. We did our best. Details led to our elimination. We are disappointed,” regretted the technician.
And added: “We may have made mistakes. I take responsibility because it was me who chose the players and the strategy.”
2024-04-15 05:06:20