Morocco's New Coaching Strategy Following AFCON Setback
Following their defeat in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco is taking significant steps in reshaping their coaching staff in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. A notable addition to this new structure is João Sacramento, a protégé of renowned coach José Mourinho, who will assume the role of assistant coach. This strategic move comes after Morocco's unfortunate loss to Senegal in the AFCON, an event held on home soil, which marked the end of Walid Regragui's tenure as head coach. Under Regragui's leadership, Morocco achieved a remarkable fourth place finish during the Qatar 2022 World Cup, a historic milestone for the nation.
With less than 100 days remaining until the World Cup commences, the Moroccan Football Federation has appointed Mohamed Ouahbi, the former head coach of the national under-23 team, to lead the senior squad. Joining Ouahbi is João Sacramento, who brings a wealth of experience from his time with several top European football clubs, having honed his skills under Mourinho's mentorship. Sacramento's first major challenge as Mourinho's assistant was during their time at Tottenham Hotspur from November 2019 to April 2021. Although they did not secure any titles during their tenure, they successfully guided the team to the final of the League Cup, a match they did not coach due to their subsequent dismissal.
João Sacramento: A Rising Star in Coaching
Sacramento also formed part of Mourinho's staff during his stint at AS Roma, although he departed before the team clinched the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2022. After his time with Mourinho, Sacramento took on roles as an assistant coach for Christoph Galtier at Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Duhail SC, before embarking on his first solo head coaching opportunity, which lasted only nine matches with LASK in Austrian football. Now, at the age of 37, Sacramento is ready to embrace his first challenge in international football, tasked with fine-tuning the Moroccan team in preparation for the global stage. He expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, "I am eager to work with one of the best generations in Moroccan football history. I cannot wait to begin this new chapter." In the upcoming World Cup, Morocco will face formidable opponents including Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland in Group C.
As reported by amp.sport.es.
