Atlas Lions: competition intensifies, Hakim Ziyech left out

"I contacted Hakim when he was not playing, you said he should not come, and now that he is returning from injury and is not playing, you are wondering why he is not there," Regragui said Tuesday at a press conference, putting an end to rumors that Ziyech had been sidelined for personal or political reasons.

The Moroccan coach explained that he decided not to call up the Galatasaray striker because he believes the player needs rest to regain his form and level. "Hakim needs to regain his physical condition and rest with his club to regain his level. When Ziyech has regained his level, he will return to the Moroccan national team, and there is no problem."

Regragui also mentioned the competition between players within the Moroccan team. "The difference that could exist is that the team has changed, and the competitiveness of today is no longer the same as before," he noted, stressing that Ziyech is an exceptional player who has marked and will certainly continue to mark the history of Moroccan football.

The left-footed striker is known for his ability to deliver assists and create opportunities in important matches and major competitions. In Ziyech’s absence, Walid Regragui will be able to count on other talented players to make the difference against Gabon on November 15 in Franceville and against Lesotho on November 18 in Oujda.