Walid Regragui explains Hakim Ziyech’s absence

According to the coach, the current poor form of the Galatasaray player is the only reason for this non-selection. "Everyone criticized me when I called up Ziyech despite the fact that he was not playing with his club, and now you are also criticizing me for his absence despite his lack of competitiveness," he ironized.

Regragui wanted to clarify the situation: "Ziyech’s exclusion has nothing to do with personal or political considerations, I have no problem with the player, and he will regain his place in the team as soon as he regains his usual level." He also added that he had personally contacted Ziyech to explain his decision and encourage him to regain his place at Galatasaray.

The coach recalled the evolution of the national team which now has more options in certain positions, unlike that of central defender. He insisted that Ziyech’s return to the national team depends solely on his club performances.

To recall, Ziyech is going through a difficult period at Galatasaray. Excluded from coach Okan Buruk’s plans, he has only played 256 minutes in five games in all competitions this season. His contract with the Turkish club runs until June 2025, with a possibility of a one-year extension if he participates in 70% of the first eleven matches. However, Ziyech made his return to the field last Thursday during the match against Tottenham in the Europa League, coming on as a substitute in the 73rd minute.

This absence is the second consecutive for Ziyech, who had already missed the matches against the Central African Republic in October due to injury. His absence from the Atlas Lions roster has raised many questions in Morocco, some associating it with a recent criticism of the Moroccan government by the player on the Palestinian issue.