Analyzing the Lions of the Atlas' Performance
On Tuesday, July 14, national coach Mohamed Ouahbi held a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Complex to review the Lions of the Atlas' participation in the 2026 World Cup. He emphasized that the team's qualification for the quarter-finals was well-deserved, following a series of matches in which the players delivered commendable performances, garnering praise from numerous observers. Ouahbi stressed the importance of evaluating Morocco's North American campaign comprehensively, rather than focusing on a single match. Regarding the quarter-final loss to France, where Morocco was defeated 2-0, he explained that players like Achraf Hakimi and his teammates prepared similarly to previous matches; however, they struggled with effectiveness at crucial moments. He acknowledged, “_We lacked penetration and could have done more to challenge France_.”
Despite not achieving their ultimate goal of advancing further in the tournament, Ouahbi noted that the team remained true to its usual playing style. He clarified that he does not favor a defensive approach, even though some adjustments were made without compromising the identity or philosophy of the national team's gameplay.
Mohamed Ouahbi: "We Are Proud of Our Journey"
In light of the defeat against France, Ouahbi expressed satisfaction with the overall performances throughout the tournament. He stated, “_We are proud of our journey and what we presented on the field_,” expressing gratitude to his players for their efforts and taking full responsibility for the results as the chief decision-maker regarding technical choices. He firmly asserted that the list of players selected for the World Cup was made with conviction, and that player selections for each match were guided solely by technical considerations and the context of the match, without granting undue privilege to any individual player.
Moreover, he dismissed “_totally unfounded rumors_” regarding disagreements with his technical staff, affirming that the atmosphere within the team was excellent. During halftime of the match against France, he simply urged his players to remain calm and focused, without displaying any anger in the locker room.
Ouahbi stated that the national team is not embarking on a new project but is continuing the work established over recent years, emphasizing the need for ongoing progress to elevate the team's level and maintain its status among the best selections in the world. “_We exit this competition with certainties, and that is most important for preparing for the future_,” he highlighted.
The coach concluded the press conference by noting that the progression of the national team also depends on the consistency with which players perform at their clubs, which is essential for maintaining their physical condition and competitive level. He expressed confidence in the group’s ability to excel in future major competitions, potentially surpassing the historic achievements of the 2022 World Cup. Additionally, when asked about the future of his assistant João Sacramento, Ouahbi assured that the Portuguese technician would continue his role within the Lions of the Atlas staff, commending his involvement and contribution to the development of the national team.
As reported by h24info.ma.
