In an interview granted to the team this Friday, Moroccan coach Walid Regragui unveiled part of the making-of of Morocco’s formidable journey in Qatar.
Regragui notably delivers the tenor of his argument to his players, at half-time for France – Morocco in the semi-final (2-0), when the score was 1-0 in favor of the Blues after the quick goal Theo Hernandez (5th). “At half-time, I told my players that it was the worst team since the start of the knockout matches, testifies the Moroccan coach. Attention, I am talking about this match, of course, not about France in general, which is a great team! That’s why there was this regret at the end, but I’m not naive…”
In the ray of regrets, Regragui points to the relative lack of Moroccan effectiveness against the first period, while being well aware of the handicap of Aguerd’s package and the exit of Saïss after 20 minutes in the semi-final.
Regragui still delivers his feelings during a competition which saw an African nation climb for the first time in the last four of a World Cup. “The very, very high level, you always think you’re not far away but, in fact, you’re far away,” says the young Moroccan coach from Corbeil-Essonne. The step was a little too high for us. Then, third place against Croatia (1-2), with one less recovery day, less players, it was complicated…”
However, Regragui admits to having never stopped believing in the star of Morocco. And even having been specially boosted by the elimination of Brazil, “the team that could beat (them)” against Croatia in the quarter-finals.
However, the guide of the Atlas Lions remains on a generally positive balance sheet and promising for the next competitions in Morocco. “The greatest victory is also the life of the group, underlines Regragui. We were like brothers there. We left last, on Tuesday, and there hasn’t been a fight in five weeks. It was wonderful. Like the support of our supporters or those of our entire continent. »