Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi opened a press conference on Wednesday after the announcement of the Atlas Lions squad for the current November camp, explaining several selection decisions and giving updates on key injuries. The November camp features two matches against Niger on 13 and 17 November in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
En-Nesyri back in the squad picture
Ouahbi said: "En-Nesyri is already part of our extended squad, and we follow him consistently, like all the players, from day one. We have followed all his matches with the Saudi side Al-Ittihad, whether in the AFC Champions League, the cup or the league. We make sure to watch his matches every week, and he is a player who has never been outside our monitoring from the start."
He added: "In the recent period, we decided to rely on other players, specifically on strikers who have characteristics similar to his during the last World Cup. Since then, we have held a preparatory gathering, and today we see that En-Nesyri's characteristics can give us an added value, especially against a team like Niger."
Selection criteria and Mazraoui
Ouahbi said: "When it comes to selecting players, it would be enough to search online for the number of playing minutes, then call up the players who have had the most of them to form the Moroccan national team, but if this is the only criterion for choosing the national team's players, then there is no need for my presence in this position."
He said: "There are other matters that must be taken into account, among them finding harmony between the players, and choosing the players who fit our style of play, because we have a clear tactical approach, and we know very well the way we want to play, regardless of the identity of the opponent."
On Noussair Mazraoui, Ouahbi said: "If you are saying that, because of his few appearances with his club, he no longer has the required level to represent the national team, then I cannot answer this argument, with all due respect."
He continued: "It is not just a matter of numbers or calculations, but it also concerns the player's qualities and his ability to make the national team stronger. Mazraoui has delivered good performances with the Moroccan national team in various competitions, and he has always lived up to expectations."
Ouahbi added: "It is not logical for us to stop calling up a player just because his level has declined slightly with his club, because we know very well what each player can offer the national team."
Diaz and playing time
On Brahim Diaz, Ouahbi said: "Whether for us or for him, Brahim wants to get more playing minutes. He wants to play more with Real Madrid, but he plays at one of the best clubs in the world, where the competition is very strong."
He added: "But we are not worried about his level, because when he joins the Moroccan national team, he is very happy to be with us, and he shows great enthusiasm and a desire to give everything he has."
Injury updates
Ouahbi gave the latest on injuries to Azzedine Ounahi, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi and Ayoub El Kaabi. He said: "I am in contact with them, these are difficult periods, and we continue to support them and accompany them during the rehabilitation stage, and they will return stronger."
GOAL reported that Ouahbi was optimistic all four could be fit before the Africa Cup of Nations. GOAL also reported that some of the injured players could be back in March, and that injuries force his staff to find alternatives and give chances to other players.
