Morocco Unveils National Soccer Staff: 10 of 14 Technicians Are Moroccan

"It is after more than 300 interviews that we were able to compose our team. Believe me, the places go to the most deserving [...]. It was a bit long, I thank you for your patience, but the work is finally beginning." This is how Osian Roberts expressed himself during the press conference dedicated to the presentation of his staff to the national press. 10 of the 14 technicians chosen for the national team are Moroccans.

According to him, his choices are based on the passion, youth and experience of the members of his staff, to bring new blood in order to create ’The Moroccan way’. "I was looking for specific profiles. I wanted coaches and trainers, not managers. I received a lot of CVs from managers, but I needed coaches capable of teaching things to the younger ones, not managers," said the DTN.

Among the appointees is Noureddine Naybet, the former captain of the Atlas Lions, who will hold the position of elite performance director. With Tarik Makhnass, an experienced Hispanic-Moroccan in youth training, the former Moroccan international, Rachid Rokki, will lead the under-15 national team. João Aroso, for his part, will lead the under-17 national team, alongside Jamal Alioui, the former central defender of Wydad. Badr El Kadouri, the former captain of Dynamo Kiev, will accompany the Spaniard Sergio Piernas in his mission as coach of the under-17s.

As director of the national teams, the Welsh technician appointed Lamia Boumehdi as coach of the under-17 women’s team. "We will all work together to lead the national teams to the expected results. The coaches will work towards a common goal, and will share their experiences. We have all the means to achieve this," says Osian Roberts.