In an exclusive interview with the “Boukhreis Talk” podcast, Moroccan international player Naif Akrd, a star for the national team and a defender for West Ham United in England, shed light on the details of his football journey and the consistent success he has achieved over the years.
During the episode titled “From National Championship to International Stage,” Akrd revealed that his football journey began in a midfield position.
However, it was the former director of the Mohammed VI Academy, Nacer Larguet, who transformed him into a defender.
Akrd emphasized that Larguet was the sole believer in his potential, standing firm in contrast to other coaches who criticized his slender build and short stature.
Recalling challenging times during his early football years, especially during his five-year stint at the Mohammed VI Academy, Akrd mentioned that not everyone believed he would reach the level he has attained.
The experience of going through the academy, he noted, changed his life, instilling discipline at a young age.
He adhered to a strict routine, waking up at 6 AM, maintaining early sleeping hours, and following a rigorous dietary regimen.
These habits, he claims, are paying off now.
Playing for clubs like Raja or Wydad was not among his immediate goals, not as a slight to them, but because he sought a team where he could make mistakes, learn, and not face immediate pressure.
According to Akrd, Al-Fateh was a significant club with its own fan base, and the pressure there required players to excel in both training and official matches.
He highlighted Walid El-Karti as another individual who placed confidence in him when he was just 17, providing him with the opportunity to play with Al-Fateh’s senior team.
Akrd expressed his desire to go to Europe, a dream he pursued with determination.
Akrd stressed that education and parental satisfaction are foundational to success.
He emphasized that every player should embody these values because when their football career concludes, their ethics and upbringing will vouch for them.
People will remember the player who respected the audience, fellow players, and coaches.
In a comprehensive dialogue with his former teammate Boukhreis, Akrd revealed that he was a youth who initiated his football journey from the streets, dreaming of reaching and achieving success.
He admitted feeling uneasy when someone told him that transitioning from local tournaments to European professionalism was challenging.
