Youssef El Safri Takes the Helm at Kawkab Marrakech
Youssef El Safri, the newly appointed head coach of Kawkab Athlétique Club de Marrakech (KACM), has expressed his enthusiasm for leading the team. In a recent interview, he emphasized that the club's sporting project and its associated ambitions were pivotal factors that motivated him to take on this challenge. El Safri highlighted the critical importance of teamwork and discipline as essential elements in building a robust team capable of winning the hearts of the Marrakech supporters. He stated, "I am grateful to club president Driss Hanifa and all the board members for the opportunity to coach such a prestigious team as Kawkab Marrakech. The responsibility is significant, but with harmony and communication within the system, particularly with management and the new players, it is manageable."
El Safri went on to discuss a crucial meeting he had with the club president, where they covered essential topics regarding the team's future. He remarked, "The project intrigued me, as did the name of the city, the club's value, the players, the management, and the supporters. I believe every coach would aspire to be in this position."
Since commencing his training camp, El Safri has felt a strong and consistent support from the management. He has observed a determination, seriousness, and eagerness among the players, noting significant progress from the first day to the sixth week of training. "Our working methods are ideal and respectful, with a high level of discipline among the players," he added. Although the team has faced a few injuries, he expressed satisfaction with the return of several key players to training. He emphasized that rather than having a single star player, the team thrives as a cohesive unit, fostering a family-like atmosphere.
Building Identity and Team Spirit
El Safri affirmed that the primary objective during this phase is to construct a team with a clear identity and personality. He elaborated, "We are in the process of building a strong team that understands its principles both in possession and when defending. Knowing how to react is crucial, and that is the essence of our training and project."
He expressed his contentment with the level of performance he has witnessed thus far and is optimistic that upcoming matches and training weeks will further refine the team's capabilities. He praised both the new recruits and the existing players, noting that the atmosphere remains supportive despite the rigorous training regimen.
Reflecting on his past experiences as a player, El Safri believes that they have equipped him with insights into player mentality. He stated, "My journey as a player was fulfilling, filled with achievements and titles, but it also included challenging times. This has allowed me to leverage that experience effectively. I feel I have a closer understanding of players, but my current responsibility as a coach integrates the past, present, and future, as modern football demands a lot."
As he concluded his remarks, El Safri promised the Marrakech supporters that his team would strive for excellence in every match, ensuring that they could take pride in the club's performance. He emphasized the vital role of the supporters, urging them to be patient and remain steadfast in their support, as their energy significantly impacts the players. "The Marrakech public is the soul of this city and this team. Their backing is crucial for our success, and we hope they continue to stand by us," he stated.
As reported by m.elbotola.com.
