Hervé Renard delivers powerful message to Morocco and Walid Regragui

18.01.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Senegal

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Morocco

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Saudi Arabia head coach Hervé Renard has come out in strong support of Morocco’s Walid Regragui urging critics to ease the pressure ahead of the AFCON 2025 final against Senegal.

Renard who previously coached Morocco and won the Africa Cup of Nations with both Zambia and Ivory Coast addressed the growing scrutiny surrounding Regragui in comments to Eurosport.

Asked whether managing Morocco is heavy burden, he replied:

“Yes, sometimes it is heavy but it’s not only in Morocco” Renard said. “Look at the criticism Didier Deschamps faces despite winning the World Cup as player and coach. Today there is more media, more social networks and criticism multiplies”

The French coach believes Regragui has nothing left to prove.

“If I were in Walid’s place, I wouldn’t even mention the criticism” he added. “What matters is that he achieved something historic at the 2022 World Cup by reaching the semi finals. Then he had small setback with a Round of 16 exit at AFCON. That happens”

Renard rejected the idea that Regragui is driven by revenge in this tournament.

“When you coach a national team, you know your destination. You have to ignore everything else. He is Moroccan, he has friends who call him and tell him things but the most important thing is to stay focused”

He pointed to the tactical evolution of Morocco as the clearest response to doubters.

“He succeeded at the World Cup with defence and counter attacks. Four years later, he has succeeded in AFCON with different system and different objectives. That is definitive answer to those who criticised him” Renard said. “I know how they feel. I had the honour of coaching Morocco. I would say only one thing to him: my deepest respect”

Renard also reflected on how difficult it is for coaches to be fully appreciated at home referencing the experiences of Djamel Belmadi and Aliou Cissé after winning AFCON with Algeria & Senegal.

“Yes it is extremely difficult” he admitted. “At AFCON 2015, I started with two draw. I stayed silent. When we won the title, those who had criticised me on television were dancing”

For Renard, Morocco’s run already carries weight.

“The Moroccans have built strong momentum. They beat Cameroon & Nigeria. Whatever happens, it is success. If they win the title, a statue should be built for Walid Regragui”

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Senegal

Morocco

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations