The Atlas Lions: Why the choice of Mohamed Ouahbi is one of audacity
After his historic triumph at the U20 World Cup, Mohamed Ouahbi takes the reins of the Moroccan national A team, succeeding Walid Regragui. The federation thus favors local expertise focused on the offensive to meet the upcoming global challenges.
The Belgian-Moroccan coach, born in 1976, has never been a professional player. Renowned for his behind-the-scenes work in training, he was promoted after his victory in Chile. Al 3omk recalls that he had first inherited the Olympic selection last December.
On Bladi.net: Mohamed Ouahbi takes over the Atlas Lions after the Regragui era
His philosophy is based on a proactive game, high pressing, and a very offensive system. During his twenty years at the Anderlecht academy, he has shaped many gems, contrasting with the more conservative approach of his predecessor, who nevertheless achieved 19 consecutive victories.
The governing body has deliberately set aside the foreign track to entrust this project to a national technician. The pressure is expected to be immense for the management, who will have to assume the heavy legacy of the historic semi-final reached during the 2022 World Cup.
During his inauguration, the new coach said he was proud and fully aware of the expectations. Promising to work with determination and patriotism, he assured that his group, particularly solid, remains "hungry for titles" and suffers from no "complex".
On Bladi.net: From the U20 gold to the Seniors: the Mohamed Ouahbi bet to carry Morocco
His baptism of fire will take place at the end of March during two friendly matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. These matches, played in the Spanish and French capitals, will mark his first appearance since the recent continental final lost (and then finally won) against Senegal.
