Efe Rabat

Rabat

Updated Friday, March 22, 2024-00:07

  • Euro Cup The FIFA document that closed the doors of the national team to Brahim: "I choose to play on behalf of the national teams of the Kingdom of Morocco for personal reasons"

The Moroccan coach,

Walid Regragui,

stated this Thursday that a year and a half ago, when he took up his position as head of the Maghreb country's national team,

he visited Brahim Díaz in Milan and the striker then gave him his word

that he would play with 'the Atlas lions'.

"He gave us his word and he didn't lie, he kept his commitment when he played for Milan," Regragui said at a press conference on the eve of the friendly between the Moroccan and Angolan teams at the Grand Stadium in Agadir (Morocco).

According to Regragui, the question was not whether or not Brahim had agreed to play for Morocco, but rather "timing."

"He chose to play for Morocco at a difficult time for him

and we have to tell him bravo, he will win the hearts of Moroccans," he noted.

"Although Spain called him up, he chose to play with Morocco," said Regragui, adding that they are "very happy with Brahim's arrival" because

"it is always a pleasure to have a Madrid player in a national team."

"In Morocco we are very happy to have a player like Brahim and we are sure that he will do great things for our team," he added.

As for whether the Spanish-Moroccan will play in the Olympic Games, Regragui recalled that the calendar for next year "is complicated for the players", since it will be the Club World Cup, the Olympic Games and then the Football Cup. Africa.

"If the U-23 coach wants Brahim or someone else, like Ashraf, we are going to support him to have a good Olympic tournament. It will also depend on the club because it is not a FIFA date, but if the coach wants him and Real Madrid leaves him,

we will be happy to see him at the Olympic Games,"

he said.

Regarding Brahim's integration into the national team, the coach stated that

he has no adaptation problems,

since he plays with teammates like Ashraf who are also in the Spanish League.

Regragui expressed his view on Brahim's position in the stadium, highlighting the tactical flexibility that the player brings to the team.

"Having Díaz gives us

more tactical options;

he can play as a midfielder (10)," said Regragui, who assured that the Real Madrid forward will play in this Friday's match against Angola, although he pointed out that they are not going to be demanding with him "from the first game."

In addition, he noted that

Hakim Zyach,

who has traditionally occupied that position, also has the ability to play on the right wing, although he does not rule out his contribution as number 10.

He assured that "he sees no impediment to everyone playing at the same time."

He stressed the importance of adaptability and cohesion between players: "We need a few games to foster the connection between them," he said, suggesting that synergy on the field is crucial to the team's success.