Morocco are not satisfied with a place in the World Cup semifinals, according to coach Walid Regragui, ahead of their match against world champions France on Wednesday.
“If we’re happy just to get to the semifinals, which some see as enough, I don’t agree,” Regragui said at a press conference.
“There is a problem if you get to the semifinals and you are not hungry.”
“The tournament’s best team, Brazil, has already been eliminated.” We are an ambitious and hungry team, but I’m not sure if that will be enough,” he added.
Morocco is the first African team to reach the final four, but Regragui wants to make more history.
“We want Africa to be at the top of the world, but we must be strong to get there.” We’re not the favorites, but we’re confident — maybe that’s what drives me crazy? “A little crazy can be beneficial,” he added.
“Everyone may think we’re tired; they said it before the last games as well, but you can’t be tired in a World Cup semi-final.” Yes, we are still starving,” he added.
Morocco’s coach was quick to point out that his team had upset Spain and Portugal in the knockout rounds to earn a meeting with Didier Deschamps’ side in the last four.
“We probably had the most difficult path to the semis.” Every round, people thought we’d be knocked out, but we’re still here and will fight until the end,” he said.
Morocco has several injury concerns, including key central defender Romain Saiss, but Regragui said no decision had been made on their fitness.
“We have a number of injuries, but we have an excellent medical staff that is working hard and bringing us good news every day,” Regragui explained.
“We’ll have to wait until the last minute, as we often do; no one is definitely out, but no one is definitely in,” he said.
Source: AFP
