Morocco coach stresses respect for Lamine Yamal's decision on international future

Ahram Online , Thursday 31 Aug 2023

Morocco manager Walid Regragui expressed his admiration for Barcelona's emerging talent Lamine Yamal on Thursday, stressing that it would be "amazing" to see him choose to represent Morocco.

main
Barcelona's player Lamine Yamal. AP

 

Regragui emphasized the importance of respecting Yamal's decision and avoiding unnecessary pressure on the player.

During a news conference in Morocco, Regragui announced the list for Morocco's September camp, which notably did not include Yamal, who holds Spanish nationality.

The 16-year-old, born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, is yet to determine the country he will represent.

Reports have suggested that he may feature in the list of players announced by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente on Friday.

"The essential thing is that the player, as well as his father, are Moroccans." Regragui told a news conference in Morocco on Thursday.

"There is no need to put pressure on the player and his decisions. We will not get ahead of events. We will see tomorrow what his choice will be."

Yamal, who has displayed impressive skills during his recent games with FC Barcelona, is considered one of the most promising prospects in Spanish football.

Morocco made a mark in the last World Cup, securing a remarkable fourth-place finish in Qatar and becoming the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

They defeated Spain in the round of 16 of the competition through a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regular time.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

 
 

 

Short link: