RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Moroccan coach Walid Reglagui has resigned from the team just months before the tournament. world cupThis was confirmed at a press conference late Thursday night.
Mr. Regulagi’s resignation — less than 100 days It was widely reported before the United States, Canada and Mexico host the World Cup from June 11 to July 19, before the country’s soccer federation president, Fawzi Rekujah, accompanied Reglagui to a press conference that also served as a tribute to the outgoing coach.
“The team needs new faces, a different energy and a new perspective with a new coach,” Regulagi said. “I think the team needs a breath of fresh air before the World Cup, a new vision to continue progressing. My decision to leave is part of the evolution of this team.”
50 year old legulagi led Morocco to the semi-finals The 2022 World Cup was the first for Africa and the Arab world, but was criticized for the team’s failure to win the African Cup of Nations as the host nation. In the final, they lost to Senegal 0-1. In January.
Wabi takes over
Lekjaer said Mohamed Ouabi, who led Morocco’s U-20 team to victory at the Youth World Cup, will replace Legulagui.
This will be Wabi’s first experience coaching a top team. The 49-year-old Belgian-Moroccan previously coached Morocco’s Under-23 team and spent much of his career managing Belgian club Anderlecht’s youth teams.
“I’m not here to build, because the foundations are already in place. I’m here to continue to perform,” Ouabi said.
Uabi said Joan Sacramento will be an assistant coach. The Portuguese is a former assistant coach at Paris Saint-Germain and worked under Jose Mourinho at Roma and Tottenham.
Expectations grow under Legulagi
Morocco had not won a continental trophy since 1975, and while the team’s World Cup success and perfect qualifying campaign raised expectations, Reglagui also faced criticism for what was seen as a defensive style of play. Some critics had already called for his sacking after Morocco’s disappointment at the last African Cup in Ivory Coast.
Leglaghi, a former right-back for Spanish club Racing de Santander, was appointed Morocco’s national team coach in 2022, just before the World Cup.
His future has been the subject of intense speculation after the recent African Cup disappointment, which was an even bigger blow for the hosts, with several media outlets reporting his resignation and the federation announcing three vetoes.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi called Reglagui a “legend” on the social network X, saying the coach’s “leadership, passion and vision inspired not only the players, but the entire country and millions of fans around the world.”
Hakimi said Regulagui “left an unforgettable mark on the history of Moroccan football. Thank you for giving us dreams and for wearing our colors with pride.”
morocco’s ambition
Morocco is investing billions of dollars in sports-related infrastructure. Aiming to become a soccer powerhouse. it is Co-hosting the 2030 World Cup There are high expectations that the final match against Spain and Portugal will be held at the Hassan II Stadium, which is scheduled to be completed in 2028 and will be the world’s largest soccer stadium with a capacity of 115,000 people.
Morocco will play World Cup warm-up matches against Ecuador on March 27th and Paraguay on March 31st.
The Atlas Lions faced Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C of the World Cup.
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