Benatia was interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport and spoke about Morocco's national team.

Q: What is the secret behind Morocco's explosive football talent?

A: First, there is a generation of talented players, and the Moroccan Football Federation is very skilled at developing them. At the same time, the strength of young players growing up domestically continues to improve. The establishment of the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé was a major turning point. Ounahi, Aguerd, and En-Nesyri all came from this top academy.

The academy prioritizes education, followed by honing football skills. Now the spotlight is on Bouadi, who is destined to become a top star. Another emerging player is Rennes center-back Ait-Nouri, a young player born in 2006 who was not in the FIFA World Cup squad but is very talented.

Q: What are the core strengths of Morocco's team? Which areas need improvement to replicate the success of reaching the semi-finals in 2022?

A: The players have exceptional technical ability, the team's defensive system is well-organized, and every player fights with all their might. We need to be more clinical in the penalty area: against Brazil, we had chances to extend our lead but nearly let them back into the match.

However, these high-intensity matches help the team gain experience in major tournaments and develop. Against the Netherlands, there won't be many shooting opportunities, so every goal-scoring chance that is created must be taken carefully.

Q: Can Hakimi be considered one of the greatest right-backs in football history?

A: In my opinion, absolutely. His level is comparable to Cafu and Maicon. But Cafu and Maicon couldn't score 10-15 goals in one season. Hakimi can play as a midfielder and push forward, consistently contributing goals. Even playing more than 60 matches in one season, his performance never drops.

Q: Brahim has been performing poorly lately. Does his goal drought affect his mentality?

A: Most likely. Compared to El Khannouss, who is in peak form, Brahim is currently a step behind. He holds the ball too long and makes too many unnecessary touches, but he also provided two spectacular assists for Saibari and has a unique ability to turn and escape from defenders.

Q: Is Morocco's bench as strong as the starting players?

A: No, and that's normal. But the entire team has strong cohesion, and whenever the team needs them, the substitute players always perform adequately. Only France can field three or four rotation lineups with similar quality.

Q: Do you regret not seeing Italy at this FIFA World Cup?

A: I'm very sorry. Italy holds a special place in my heart; the country gave me everything in my career. But the reality is that Italy's top strikers overall don't even compare to France's backup forwards. I very much hope Italian football can bounce back soon.

Q: Would you recommend Bouadi and Ounahi to Serie A teams?

A: Absolutely, Ounahi is very strong. Bouadi's talent is even more outstanding; he is a once-in-a-lifetime talent. This young player's mentality far exceeds his peers. His tactical understanding and presence on the pitch are very mature, and his performances are like a veteran who has played 300 professional matches. His value has now reached 100 million euros. However, it's difficult for Serie A teams to recruit him because of the high transfer fee.

Q: In your opinion, has Ainavi developed since joining Serie A?

A: This player is strong in both attack and defense. I still don't understand why he is getting far less playing time at Roma than I expected. I tried to recruit him when I was at Marseille, but the transfer offer exceeded the budget at that time.

Q: In the Round of 16, Morocco will face the Netherlands. If they win, their next opponent is the winner between South Africa and Canada. Does the team have a chance to reach the quarter-finals and face France?

A: The team has the potential to challenge any opponent, and they are strong enough to keep fans in anticipation. I'm confident Morocco can go far in this FIFA World Cup, but of course, the results of football matches often depend on moments of fortune on the pitch.

Q: Do you agree with the expanded FIFA World Cup format?

A: I'm not optimistic about it. There are too many matches, some matches lack entertainment value, and ticket prices are too high. Football should belong to the people, not to a handful of wealthy individuals.

Q: Messi is two months younger than you, and Cristiano Ronaldo is older than you. Many players your age are still active on the pitch. Do you miss playing?

A: Not at all. I'm very satisfied with my playing career and my current life path. I watch matches now, but after leaving Marseille, I no longer work for any club, and I'm very happy with this lifestyle at this stage.

Q: During your time at Marseille, you negotiated transfers with Giovanni Carnevali, who was then Sassuolo's general manager and is now Juventus's general manager. Do you think he is the right person to lead Juventus back to the top?

A: I'm 100% confident he can. Juventus's current management team is very complete, and Giorgio Chiellini has a very good vision, is familiar with the club's history, and embodies the team's core spirit.

Carnevali is very capable; Roberto De Zerbi speaks very highly of him to me. When we discussed transfers back then, I could see that this manager is experienced, steady in his approach, and good at making important decisions. Juventus's current situation is unfortunate, but I'm very confident the new management team can turn the team's fortunes around.

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