What Walid Regragui said in the press conference (video)

Regragui revealed that the persuasion work lasted a year and a half and that the timing was the main obstacle. "The question was not whether Brahim would accept to join Morocco or not, but rather a question of timing," he said.

Regragui expressed Diaz’s loyalty: "He kept his word when he came to Real Madrid, he didn’t change his mind. He is a great player and he proves it every weekend. He chose to play for Morocco during a period when he was solicited by Spain, but he opted for the Atlas Lions. I think he will win the hearts of Moroccans."

Regragui also mentioned the arrival of Eliesse Ben Seghir, a young player who made the choice of Morocco despite the pressures: "He is a promising player who will have his say. He has undergone pressure not to choose Morocco, but he made his choice at 19 which is not easy. He will certainly need time to adapt, we must accompany him and I am sure he will be a great player."

During the same press conference, Regragui responded to the criticism regarding his 4-1-4-1 tactical scheme. The coach assumed his choices and emphasized the importance of stability: "We need stability in the national team. When I wanted to change the 4-1-4-1 scheme in the World Cup semi-final, everyone wanted to kill me and when I reused my scheme, you asked for the change."

Regragui also stressed the need to adapt to the available players: "I am not a stubborn coach, but a person who adapts to the potential I have in my team and to the way I want my team to play. We have the Africa Cup of Nations that will take place in our country, and we must be good under pressure and place our players in their positions so that they give us their best."

The national coach also called for patience, stating that it is not possible to change the system overnight: "Since my arrival, I have played 18 matches, which does not even represent half the matches of the Botola. When you have players for a short period, you have to give them certain habits, don’t think you’re playing on Play Station where you can come in 3 days and impose a specific scheme on players who are not used to it, we are not magicians."

"The important thing is to find a balance in our plans," he concluded.