Wahbi: Morocco's fitness won't be an issue; we have enough "spiritual fuel"

On July 3, local time, Morocco coach Wahbi gave a pre-match interview.

Hello, coach. The Canadian coach stated in the media that “the Moroccan team has no weaknesses” and even used psychological tactics to put pressure on us. How do you respond to his remarks? Also, how do you assess the overall performance of African teams in this FIFA World Cup? Currently, only Morocco, Egypt, Cape Verde, and Ghana are still competing. Thank you.

I do not need to respond specifically to these remarks. Everyone, every coach, and every player has their own opinions, and I respect them.

I am focused only on our preparation for this match.

We have great respect for this team; they are strong and possess many strengths. For us, the most important thing is that we must perform at our best. I have emphasized many times that our performances in previous matches do not guarantee that we will win tomorrow's match. What truly determines the outcome is our performance on the field tomorrow. Therefore, we must stay focused and execute our tactics diligently.

As for the African teams, they certainly showed a lot of quality and played excellent matches, with some teams coming very close to advancing. However, to be honest, I have not systematically watched all the matches, as I spent a lot of time analyzing the Canadian team, even more than studying other teams, so I cannot provide a more in-depth evaluation of the overall situation.

Could you please update us on the team’s injury situation? We saw that Riad underwent strength recovery training after yesterday’s session and has returned to full training today. How is his condition? And how is the overall situation within the team?

Hello. Yes, he took a knock to his knee in the last game and felt a little discomfort, but it does not seem serious. He rejoined training today.

We will assess his condition again tonight.

Overall, the entire team is in very good condition. I can tell you clearly that any player who plays will be 100% ready, and players who are not 100% ready will not play.

First, congratulations to the team on the emotion and performance in the last match. There is a great deal of respect for you in Mexico. How do you explain this growing respect? Also, could the increasing external expectations distract the team? How do you stay focused?

All of this is actually the result of long-term work. I think everyone knows that, with the support of the national leadership, Morocco has invested heavily in football, gradually earning global recognition for our football system.

Attention has turned to Moroccan football not only at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but also in youth tournaments.

In Mexico, we also felt a great deal of support, which was truly incredible. Many people initially did not think highly of our decision to play in Mexico, but in the end, we proved that it was the right choice.

As for the team internally, we are very honest. I told the players that this will be one of our most important and most difficult matches at this FIFA World Cup.

Regarding player performance, for example, Brahim has not performed as well as expected. Would you consider making adjustments? Additionally, how do you view the balance between the team's freedom and its defensive responsibilities?

If you look closely at the game, you will see that the players have a great deal of freedom. What we are trying to create is "organized chaos," generating space through extensive movement and flexibility. Brahim still has that freedom; it is just that his current physical condition may not be as good as it was during the Africa Cup, due to the different schedule and match load.

But I will not make excessive comparisons. He already has assists, and he will continue to score goals. Regarding player management and transfer rumors, these will not affect us. The players are all focused, and there are no problems.

The team scores many goals in the penalty area but few from long range. Is this a tactical requirement?

I don't think this is a problem. We often get into the penalty area and are one of the teams with the most touches there. If you can already get into the penalty area, why shoot from long range? Unless you can't get in. The team is building confidence, and we believe the goals will come naturally.

The team have just played 120 minutes. Will that affect tomorrow?

I value mental recovery more than physical fatigue. As long as the players are in good mental condition, they can run more and with greater intensity. Our running intensity is increasing with every game, which shows that the team is growing.

We have enough "mental fuel."

Will you allow defenders to participate in the attack, for example, center-backs attacking the penalty area?

This is normal in a game. Many teams do this, but it depends on the timing. It will not be the main tactic.

About the Team and Coaching Staff

I want to emphasize one point: this is not the work of one or two people, but of an entire team. The coaching staff, doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and all the behind-the-scenes staff are all very important.

Without them, we would not be where we are today.

How would you define the culture and tactical identity of Moroccan football?

Moroccan players are highly skillful and enjoy controlling the ball, while also possessing strong running ability.

We have established a system based on the players' characteristics, and this style has now taken shape: it suits our players and matches their abilities.

Why do you say this match is "the most important and most difficult"?

Because it is the next match.

The past is over, and the future has yet to unfold. The only thing that matters is this match in the present.

Canada are a very disciplined, intense team with a clear system. They know how to play and understand exactly what they are doing.

If we are not at our best, we will be going home.

Tomorrow is US Independence Day. Do you have a message for American fans?

I wish them a happy holiday. I hope the stadium will be like Mexico, with many neutral fans supporting us. We feel support from fans all over the world, which is very special.

Are you more at ease knowing the opponent doesn't score many goals?

Yes, this shows that our overall defense is very strong, and it is the result of teamwork.

At the same time, we also have an excellent goalkeeper, Bounou, who gives us greater confidence.

How would you compare Canada in 2022 to now?

They are more mature now, more compact, and calmer in possession. In 2022, they pressed high more often; now, they are more balanced. This is a team that continues to improve.

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