Lille coach Bruno Genesio says he did not influence Ayyoub Bouaddi’s Morocco decision

Ayyoub Bouaddi has chosen to represent Morocco at international level, with Lille coach Bruno Genesio insisting he did not attempt to influence the midfielder’s decision.

The announcement surrounding the 18-year-old’s international future has generated significant discussion in recent hours, particularly given his emergence as one of the brightest young players at LOSC Lille.

Speaking during a press conference, Genesio made it clear that he deliberately avoided becoming involved in a matter he believes should remain deeply personal to the player.

“It’s neither my role nor my job to advise them on that, when it’s a choice that should be guided by what’s inside you. Choosing a nation is a very powerful thing and it belongs to each of us. Everyone has their own way of experiencing their choices, so it wasn’t my role to advise them.

It would have been very inappropriate. I didn’t want to influence them.  We can have an opinion, but it’s often biased because we don’t have the same feelings as the people involved. He (Bouaddi) told me this in advance on Wednesday,” he said.

Genesio’s comments underlined his belief that decisions over national allegiance should be left entirely to players and their families, rather than being shaped by outside pressure from clubs or coaches.

Bouaddi’s choice now places him firmly in contention to become part of Morocco’s long-term plans as the national side continues preparations towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The midfielder has continued to attract attention for his performances at Lille despite his young age, and his international decision is expected to be closely followed both in France and Morocco.

Genesio also revealed that the player informed him of the decision earlier in the week, allowing the Lille coach to learn of the choice before it became public.

The coach, however, maintained throughout his remarks that he saw no place for personal influence in such matters, describing the selection of a national team as an emotional and individual decision tied closely to identity and personal feeling.

Bouaddi’s commitment represents another significant boost for Morocco as the country continues to strengthen its pool of young talent ahead of future international competitions.