Former coach of the Moroccan national football team, Vahid Halilhodzic, staunchly refused to delve into discussions concerning the Atlas Lions’ recent achievements.
More than a year after his departure from the helm of the Moroccan selection just before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Halilhodzic’s sentiments remain vividly palpable.
His reluctance to engage in a dialogue about Morocco’s historic fourth-place finish, an unparalleled feat for an African nation in the tournament’s annals, was evident during a recent interview.
When prompted about his thoughts on Morocco’s performance, Halilhodzic responded curtly, “I don’t want to talk about the Moroccan national team.
” This resolute refusal signifies his intention to avoid any extensive commentary on the team now led by his successor, Walid Regragui. Previously, he had identified Morocco among the contenders for victory at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), alongside Ivory Coast, Algeria, Egypt, and Senegal.
Reflecting on his abrupt departure last May, the former Algeria coach opened up about the lingering trauma caused by his third dismissal following previous stints with Ivory Coast in 2010 and Japan in 2018.
Halilhodzic expressed, “It’s a trauma that is difficult to swallow and accept. Even as a player, I experienced the same thing.” Despite the challenges, he acknowledged that life continues, and he remains in good health.
Halilhodzic also shed light on the complexities of the situation, stating, “Some players tried to contact me because they could not speak to the media, to make statements.
It’s a question of politics. That’s how it works. Some of my former players in other countries still communicate with me, but I refused to speak to anyone in Morocco.”
The coach’s steadfast stance underscores the personal and professional intricacies surrounding his tenure with the Moroccan national team.
Maroc : Boufal, Hamdallah… Les tendances de la liste de Regragui auraient fuité ! https://t.co/07t1N00RbM pic.twitter.com/KnFIdqnSww
— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) December 16, 2023
