« We wanted to face France while staying true to our identity, but that didn’t happen. I take full responsibility for that, » the Morocco coach said.
Despite the disappointment, Ouahbi maintained that reaching the quarter-finals for the second consecutive World Cup confirms the progress of Moroccan football.
« The assessment does not stop with one match. We are satisfied with our World Cup in terms of our performances and the quality of our football. Our World Cup ended in the quarter-finals, but our ambition continues, » he said.
« We lacked our identity against France »
Ouahbi admitted his players failed to impose their usual style against the 2022 runners-up but rejected suggestions that Morocco approached the game with fear.
« Our game plan was exactly the same as it was against Brazil and the Netherlands. We changed nothing. The intentions were the same, » he explained.
« I never ask my team to sit back and defend. We simply lacked personality and maturity at certain moments. »
The Moroccan coach also praised France’s quality, describing Didier Deschamps’ side as one of the strongest teams in world football.
« I’m not asking myself how we could have beaten France. I don’t know which team could have. The real question is how we can make life much more difficult for them next time, and how we can do that in four years. »
According to Ouahbi, Morocco struggled to stretch the French defense and failed to create enough attacking depth.
Defending his squad selections
Ouahbi also dismissed criticism surrounding his squad selection, insisting the players he chose had earned their place after leading Morocco to another historic World Cup run.
« The players who were here made the country dream for five matches while producing some of the best football Morocco has ever played at a World Cup, » he said.
« It’s always easier after a defeat to say another player should have been selected. »
The coach acknowledged that one tactical decision against France did not produce the expected result but accepted full responsibility.
« The idea was there. It didn’t work, and I accept that. »
Building towards 2030
Ouahbi believes the tournament will serve as valuable experience for one of the youngest squads left in the competition after the Round of 16.
« We had the youngest team from the knockout stage onward. Many of these players will be even stronger in four years. »
His long-term objective is to establish Morocco among football’s elite rather than treating the country’s recent achievements as isolated successes.
« We want the 2022 achievement not to remain unique. Reaching another World Cup quarter-final shows Morocco is working in the right direction. »
He also recalled the difficult period following Morocco’s disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign, saying rebuilding confidence ahead of the World Cup had been a major challenge.
Coach dismisses speculation
Ouahbi used the press conference to deny reports that assistant coach Joao Sacramento could leave the national team setup.
« Those reports are completely false. He is very happy here, and we are very happy to have him. »
He also rejected speculation of tension with midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
« If Amrabat had a problem with me, he would tell me directly. There has never been an issue. »
Regarding captain Achraf Hakimi, Ouahbi said fatigue was not the decisive factor against France despite the defender’s demanding schedule.
« It wasn’t really fatigue. We simply struggled to find a second wind. »
Eyes already on the future
While acknowledging there is room for improvement, Ouahbi warned against making drastic changes after a single defeat.
« What I don’t like is when you reach the quarter-finals against France and people suddenly want to change everything. That would send the wrong message. »
The coach revealed he has already requested a high-profile friendly in September to continue testing his squad against top opposition.
« We want to be challenged. »
Ouahbi concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Morocco’s long-term project.
« The future will decide how long I stay, God willing. For now, I’m here and fully committed to continuing what we have started. »
