Rui Almeida says Sofiane Benjdida exit was Morocco Fes’ biggest setback

Rui Almeida says the departure of Sofiane Benjdida was the biggest setback for Morocco Fes after the Portuguese coach was dismissed because of a run of poor results.

Morocco Fes ended Almeida’s tenure after failing to win any of their past four matches. The club made the decision despite securing qualification for the CAF Champions League, which was their main objective.

“I understand Morocco Fes’ management’s decision to let me go,” Almeida told Al Arabiya.

“The main objective was to qualify for the CAF Champions League. As we succeeded in qualifying, I can say that I am leaving with a clear conscience.”

Almeida also expressed his disappointment at Benjdida’s departure from the club.

“The decision for Sofiane Benjdida to leave Morocco Fes was the team’s biggest setback. It was a disappointing decision for me,” he said.

Morocco Fes qualified for the CAF Champions League after winning the Moroccan league title. They have been drawn in Group Four alongside Pyramids, Sudanese club Al Hilal and Horoya Conakry.

The club are now searching for a new manager after ending talks with Krunoslav Jurcic, the former Pyramids coach.

Morocco Fes halted negotiations because they considered the Croatian’s financial demands too high. Moroccan sports website Le Matin Sport reported that Jurcic had insisted on a monthly salary of close to $125,000 for the coaching staff.

The two sides held several rounds of negotiations in an attempt to reach an agreement, but the financial differences ultimately prevented the deal from being completed.