Wehbe: Follow 60 players and the decision is postponed

Mohamed Wehbe, coach of the national team, revealed the “Lions” list for the preparatory gathering for the month of March, which includes playing two friendly matches against the Ecuadorian national team on March 27 in Madrid, and the Paraguayan national team on the 31st of the same month in the French city of Lens, in a station that he considered technical and decisive before entering the final stage of preparations for the World Cup.

Wehbe explained, during the press conference, that this international period is the last that will enable the technical staff to consider a set of options, saying that “the list, which includes 28 players, will constitute an important test against strong competitors, who will contribute to raising the degree of competitiveness and readiness,” stressing that the goal is not limited only to results, but rather extends to “establishing a clear playing identity and giving the opportunity to hard-working elements.”

In the same context, the national voter highlighted the presence of two young players in the expanded list, despite the lack of playing minutes. These are Ait Boudlal and Zabiri, as they will start the camp with the group, to give them confidence and support, provided that they remain in Maamoura when the team travels to Madrid, to play a match with the under-23 team on Thursday, and then rejoin the group in Lens.

Regarding the continued absence of Hakim Ziyech, Wehbe preferred to adopt a collective speech, stressing that he did not want to evaluate individuals separately, explaining that the call-up criterion is based mainly on physical readiness and level of performance.

Wehbe added that the technical staff followed approximately 60 players during the recent period, with the final outcome of what the players will present in the next two months being a decisive factor in determining the final list for the World Cup.

As for the controversy that accompanied Ayoub Bouadi’s non-call, Wehbe indicated that communication with the player was positive, and that he expressed interest in the Moroccan national team’s sports project, but the final decision remains personal, adding that the technical staff prefers not to put pressure on the young players, and to let them decide their future calmly.

It is expected that this camp will constitute a pivotal station for the technical staff, not only to test the new names, but also to put the last touches on the features of the team that will compete in the next World Cup with the legacy of the previous coach, Walid Regragui’s achievement, in the last edition, of reaching the semi-finals.