Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has thrown his weight behind their head coach Walid Regragui amidst recent criticism leveled against the latter.
The Atlas Lions will take on the Chipolopolo on Monday, December 29, 2025 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, with both teams seeking for maximum points.
And according to Hakimi, the negative atmosphere is detrimental to the team’s interests, asserting that the Atlas Lions have a coach who is the most capable of leading them to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Hakimi explained that the team is in good form, both technically and mentally. However, he noted that the increasing criticism is casting a shadow over the group. He pointed out that many are forgetting Regragui’s significant role in achieving the historic feat of leading Morocco to the World Cup semi-finals, a testament to his competence and ability to manage major matches.
He emphasized that Regragui not only achieved results but also played a significant role in bringing about a profound shift in the players’ mentality, including those with extensive experience within the national team. He affirmed that this mental transformation had a positive impact on collective performance and team spirit, making the players more confident in their ability to compete at the highest level.
Hakimi stressed that Walid Regragui is the most suitable choice to lead the national team at this pivotal stage, highlighting that confidence in the coaching staff and stability at the technical leadership level are two fundamental pillars for any successful project, especially in continental competitions that demand stamina and collective cohesion.
However, the Paris Saint-Germain star called for support for the national team, stating that positive support gives the players a strong morale boost and helps them focus on their goals on the field instead of being distracted by external factors.
Hakimi concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the Moroccan national team is witnessing remarkable progress in terms of mentality and team spirit, adding that this transformation is now tangible, and that having a competent coach and cohesive players makes the dream of winning the Africa Cup of Nations a real possibility.
