Nasreddine Nabi breaks silence after Raja Club Athletic exit

Former Raja Club Athletic head coach Nasreddine Nabi has explained his decision to leave the Moroccan club, insisting he stepped down because he did not want to be held responsible for sporting decisions he had not approved.

The Tunisian coach’s departure came after growing tension between him and Raja’s sporting department, particularly over the management of the club’s transfer business.

Nabi said he understood that disagreements could arise with the sporting director but felt resignation was the best course of action rather than continuing in an environment where he did not have full control over the players being recruited.

“I’m not a coach who attacks people. I understand the difference of opinion with the sporting director, but I felt resigning was the best decision so I wouldn’t be responsible for things I didn’t choose.”

The former Kaizer Chiefs coach also strongly rejected suggestions that he had sought to work with a particular company during the transfer window.

Nabi said the allegations had deeply affected him and challenged anyone making such claims to provide evidence to support them.

“It deeply saddened me that some people accused me of wanting to work with a specific company in the transfer market. This is untrue. Anyone with evidence should bring it forward.”

The 60-year-old said his intention during the transfer window was simply to strengthen the squad with players capable of making a significant contribution and fitting his tactical approach.

According to Nabi, some of the players he recommended were ultimately not signed by Raja, with several of those targets later joining other major clubs.

“I wanted players who could add value and fit my style. Some of the players I recommended were not signed, and later moved to other big clubs.”

Nabi’s comments underline the extent of the disagreement over recruitment, with the coach making it clear that he wanted a decisive role in determining which players were brought into the squad.

He said he could not continue under conditions where he was expected to work with players he had not approved during the transfer window.

“I cannot work under conditions I’m not satisfied with or with players I did not approve during the transfer window.”

Nabi joined Raja after previously managing Kaizer Chiefs and had been tasked with guiding the Moroccan giants through a competitive domestic and continental campaign.

However, tensions reportedly increased during the summer transfer window, with disagreements over the club’s recruitment strategy and the respective responsibilities of the coaching and sporting departments.

His departure now leaves Raja with the task of finding a new head coach as they seek to maintain their ambitions on the domestic and continental fronts.

Despite the circumstances surrounding his exit, Nabi insisted he had conducted himself professionally throughout his time at the club and left without bitterness towards Raja or its supporters.

“I worked honestly and gave my best. I wish Raja and the fans all the best and hope they return to winning ways.”

Nabi’s comments suggest that his departure was driven primarily by a disagreement over sporting authority rather than a lack of commitment to the club.

The Tunisian has also sought to distance himself from any allegations of improper involvement in the transfer market, maintaining that his focus was on building a squad capable of implementing his footballing philosophy.