Xavi Hernández and Morocco: Why He Rejected the National Team Job

The coach who led the Atlas Lions to the World Cup semifinals in Qatar and to the final of the most recent Africa Cup of Nations appears to have reached a breaking point. The defeat suffered in Rabat against Senegal is said to have caused deep unease within the national team, pushing the manager toward the exit.

On Bladi.net : Walid Regragui Resigns: Morocco Faces World Cup Coaching Crisis

Although the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF officially denied any separation in a message on its social media accounts, the search for a replacement is reportedly already underway. Among the internal options is Mohamed Ouahbi, the current coach of the under-20 team, following his recent world title with the junior category.

Xavi Hernández’s name is nevertheless at the top of the federation’s list of priorities. The former FC Barcelona coach, available since leaving Catalonia, has repeatedly expressed his desire to manage a national team, but he is said to have turned down an immediate appointment.

On Bladi.net : Walid Regragui on the way out? Rumors intensify after losing the AFCON final

The Spanish coach believes there is no longer enough room to build a solid project before the next World Cup. While he has not closed the door on Morocco, he favors taking charge at the beginning of a cycle and is postponing any potential negotiations until after the international competition.