Vahid Halilhodžić empties his bag: "They stole my World Cup with Morocco

The Bosnian technician believes that the opportunity to lead the Atlas Lions in Qatar was taken away from him despite a successful qualification phase. "This chance was stolen from me," he said, insisting that he had accomplished his sporting mission by leading the national team to the tournament through consecutive victories.

The dispute that led to his downfall was over the composition of the list of selected players. Halilhodžić revealed that he had refused external pressure to include certain key players he had excluded for disciplinary reasons. Remaining faithful to his technical convictions, he criticized injunctions that he considered contrary to the cohesion of his group.

"I am different by nature. I am asked to be diplomatic, but I assume my responsibilities and that is what cost me my job," he said in a cutting tone. Aware that his temperament hastened his departure, he refuses any regret, preferring rigor to the political compromises of the locker room.

Now at the head of FC Nantes, the technician seeks to transform this bitterness into a driving force. After initially considering retirement following the shock experienced with Morocco, he is returning to the field to take on an "exceptional challenge," thus marking his return to the French championship.