Morocco Coach Regragui Praises Depth at Right-Back with Hakimi and Mazraoui

"It’s wonderful to have two high-level players in the right-back position," said Regragui, recalling the impressive careers of the two players in the biggest European clubs. While the presence of two such exceptional talents in the same position could seem problematic, the Moroccan coach assures that this is not the case, as long as the two players are satisfied with their role within the national team.

"For me, talented players must adapt," explained the national coach. "Noussair has played on the left side for the last two years, and when you see Achraf’s level on the right side, it’s hard to make another choice." The coach did, however, emphasize Mazraoui’s good will, who "has never complained about his position and who does his job, just like Achraf".

Regragui does not rule out changing the positions of Hakimi and Mazraoui in the upcoming matches, particularly against Gabon and Lesotho, or during the four other qualifying matches for the 2025 AFCON. "We have six qualifying matches, with several formations to try certain things... The important thing is that the players’ state of mind is good and that they do not complain about their positions," he insisted.

On a lighter note, Regragui joked with Achraf Hakimi, present at his side during the press conference: "I was saying that I was one of the best backs in the history of Morocco... but this duo (Hakimi and Mazraoui) killed us, they didn’t even give us a chance to tell our children that we were or that we did something." A quip that speaks volumes about the quality of the two players.