Nabil Baha's Insights on Moroccan Football and Recent Controversies
Nabil Baha, a prominent figure in Spanish football known for his stints with clubs like Málaga, Ponferradina, and Racing de Ferrol, has transitioned into a coaching role as the head of Morocco's under-17 national team. His son, Ziyad Baha, is already making waves as a promising talent in Moroccan football, and Nabil shares his thoughts on the future of the sport in Morocco, particularly in light of the recent controversies surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations, specifically involving Senegal. Baha firmly believes that the situation does not warrant celebration, stating, "It's not a title to celebrate."
In a recent interview, Baha elaborated on his current role, revealing, "I am currently the coach of Morocco's under-17 team. We are preparing for next year's Africa Cup and the World Cup. I was a champion with the under-17s, and I am enjoying my life as a coach." He acknowledged the remarkable progress Morocco has made in football over the past decade, emphasizing the emergence of talented players who have made their mark in Europe, as well as the success of the national team in youth competitions.
When asked about the controversy surrounding the Africa Cup, Baha expressed his disapproval of Senegal's actions, describing them as unsportsmanlike. He remarked, "To leave the field for that reason is unacceptable. If everyone leaves the pitch due to a referee's decision, football will face severe consequences." Addressing the decision to award the title to Morocco, he conveyed his mixed feelings, stating, "Winning a title in this manner is not satisfying; we would have preferred to earn it on the field. Winning like this is not worth celebrating. We could have won if Brahim hadn't missed the penalty; honestly, it diminishes my excitement about this title."
Baha is dedicated to his growth as a coach, focusing on teaching his team to press high and maintain possession when possible. He enjoys emphasizing transition play and is inspired by the coaching style of Manuel Pellegrini, striving to impart the lessons he learned from him. However, he acknowledges that his current squad is still developing and lacks the experience of a seasoned team. Baha expressed his desire to manage Málaga one day, stating, "Of course, one of my dreams is to coach Málaga, but I need to prepare and wait for the right moment. Currently, there is a coach doing very well. Every player who has played for Málaga has a fondness for the club, and it is always a desire to defend those colors as a coach."
Lastly, he spoke with pride about his son Ziyad, who is finding success at Marseille, saying, "I hope he surpasses me. If not, I haven't done my job right (laughs). He is scoring goals at Marseille, and things are going very well for him. I am incredibly proud of what he is achieving."
As reported by marca.com.
