Walid Regragui reveals how Darija helped unite Morocco’s diverse squad during his tenure

Former Morocco head coach Walid Regragui has revealed how the use of Moroccan Darija helped bring together a culturally and linguistically diverse Atlas Lions squad.

Speaking to VESTIAIRES Coaching, Regragui explained that communication was an important part of creating unity within a group that included players born in France, Spain and the Netherlands, as well as footballers developed in Morocco.

The squad featured dual nationals, experienced internationals, local talents and some of the country’s biggest football stars, making effective communication essential inside the dressing room.

Darija the common language

Regragui said he communicated with individual players in different languages depending on their backgrounds, but used Darija as the common language when addressing the entire team.

“Individual conversations in Spanish with Achraf Hakimi, in English with Hakim Ziyech, or in French with Romain Saïss… but a common language, Darija, for the team talks,” Regragui said.

The approach allowed Regragui to maintain personal communication with players while ensuring the entire squad shared a common language during team meetings.

Building a shared identity

Darija helped create a stronger connection between players who had grown up in different countries and football environments.

For Regragui, using the Moroccan dialect was not simply a communication tool but also a way of reinforcing the team’s shared identity and cultural connection.

The former coach placed considerable emphasis on maintaining close relationships with his players, using language and Morocco’s shared cultural identity to strengthen the bond within the group.

The strategy reflected the unique makeup of Morocco’s national team, which has increasingly brought together players from the diaspora with those who developed within the country’s football system.

By making Darija the common language during team talks, Regragui sought to ensure that despite their different backgrounds, the Atlas Lions remained united around a common Moroccan identity.