Rui Almeida blames Soufiane Benjedida’s departure for Maghreb Fez’s struggles

Former Maghreb Fez head coach Rui Almeida has identified the departure of Soufiane Benjedida as a major factor behind the team’s struggles during the current season.

The Portuguese tactician believes losing the Moroccan forward was a significant setback for the club, insisting his absence affected the team’s overall strength and ambitions.

Almeida recently parted ways with Maghreb Fez following a disappointing run of results, bringing an end to his spell in charge of the Moroccan outfit.

 “The team’s loss of Soufiane Benjedida was our biggest setback this season,” he said as quoted by Moroccan outlet Le Sport 360.

The former coach, however, maintained that he understood the club’s decision to terminate his appointment, insisting that his work should be assessed against the objectives established at the beginning of the campaign.

Almeida pointed out that securing qualification for the CAF Champions League was the club’s primary target and believes he fulfilled that responsibility before his departure.

“I understand the decisions of the management of the Maghreb Fez team, and the truth is that we succeeded in qualifying for the African Champions League, so I can say that I am leaving with a clear conscience,” he added.

He further stressed the importance of evaluating a football project beyond immediate results, arguing that factors such as the team’s development, working conditions and overall progress must also be considered.

“When we talk about a project, we must assess the whole picture, including the stated goals, the overall framework, the team’s development, and the quality of the work delivered,” Almeida explained.

“The club’s first priority was to qualify for the African Champions League, and we have already succeeded in achieving that.”

Despite expressing disappointment over his dismissal, Almeida acknowledged that managerial changes are part of football, suggesting that his departure was not entirely unexpected.

“The decision was disappointing for me, but that’s football, and I don’t think it’s just the decision of Maghreb Fez,” he concluded.

Benjedida completed a move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly during the last summer transfer window after leaving Maghreb Fez, with his departure leaving a significant void in the Moroccan side’s attacking department.