Morocco Coach Regragui: Future Depends on Winning 2025 AFCON

Pressure to Deliver for Host Nation Morocco

Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui has revealed his future with the Atlas Lions depends on winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite having a contract until the 2026 World Cup. Speaking on Spanish TV show “El Chiringuito,” the coach acknowledged the high expectations surrounding the tournament, which Morocco will host.

“I know this job well,” Regragui stated. “I won’t deceive people; if you don’t win, you know decisions will be made, and that’s normal.”

Focus on Team Preparation

The coach emphasized his current priority is preparing the squad for the continental championship. “We have six or seven matches before the Africa Cup, and we have to choose the right group to make the people happy… that’s what matters to me now,” he explained.

Future Ambitions: Return to Club Football

While committed to Morocco’s national team, Regragui expressed his long-term desire to return to club management. “I love coaching clubs because I started there, and the daily work excites me more than national team work,” he said, highlighting the challenges of limited preparation time with national squads.

Addressing the Lamine Yamal Situation

Regragui also discussed FC Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal, who chose to represent Spain over Morocco. “Lamine is a talented player from an exceptional generation. We tried everything we could to have him choose Morocco, but he chose Spain,” the coach said, praising Yamal’s honesty throughout the decision-making process.

Scouting Moroccan Talent Abroad

Currently in Spain, Regragui is monitoring Moroccan players abroad, including defender Nayef Aguerd, ahead of June’s squad announcement. He’s also set to meet with Jonas Abdellaoui, a 19-year-old Celta Vigo Fortuna player who recently obtained his Moroccan sporting passport after representing Norway at youth level.

This article summarizes an original report. Full credit to the source.