Morocco’s Real Problem Against France: Maturity and Personality

Mohamed Ouahbi does not want to sum up Morocco’s journey by their quarter-final loss against France. But the Atlas Lions’ coach clearly acknowledges what his team lacked in this match.

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During a lengthy debriefing before the media at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, the coach rejected the idea of a fearful Morocco or a modified game plan against the Blues. According to him, the playing identity was the same as against the Netherlands or Brazil.

The problem lay elsewhere. Mohamed Ouahbi believes his players failed to bring the ball sufficiently into the French half and to impose their football. He speaks of a lack of maturity, but also of personality in key moments.

Personality was missing

The coach especially points to offensive difficulties. Morocco did not attack the depth enough, did not multiply runs to stretch the French block and failed to establish continuity in their attacking play.

Nevertheless, Ouahbi refuses to blame his players. He assures he never felt a lack of desire. According to him, the Lions wanted to do well, but something went wrong during the match.

The coach also stands by his squad list. Since the elimination, several debates have focused on absent players or choices made before the World Cup. Again, Ouahbi refuses to replay the match in hindsight. For him, the selected players met the group’s needs and allowed Morocco to reach the quarter-finals.

He also defends the Moroccan collective, which he considers the main strength of this generation. Bounou, Hakimi, Ounahi, Mazraoui and Sofyan Amrabat remain, in his eyes, important leaders, but the Lions’ identity does not rest on a single player capable of deciding everything.

Ouahbi now wants to broaden the talent pool and give more opportunities to new profiles. He no longer wants injuries to serve as an excuse during major competitions. His objective is clear: build a squad capable of winning even with absences.

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The coach finally insists on the youth of the squad. According to him, Morocco deliberately invested in the future. These players gained experience at the highest level and must continue to grow by 2030. Despite the defeat against France, Ouahbi remains convinced that Morocco is moving in the right direction.