Benatia gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport, discussing Morocco's situation.

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

A: First and foremost, there is a generation of talented players, and the Moroccan Football Federation develops them very well. At the same time, the strength of young players growing at the local level is also steadily improving. The opening of the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Salé was a key turning point: Ounahi, Aguerd, and En-Nesyri all came from this excellent youth training facility.

The academy prioritizes education alongside football development. Currently, Bouaddi is in the spotlight, and he is destined to become a top player. Next, there is Rennes center-back Ait-Nouri, a young player born in 2006 who was not included in this World Cup squad but is very talented.

Q: What are Morocco's main strengths? What aspects need improvement to replicate their 2022 semi-final run?

A: The players have excellent ball possession skills, the team's defensive system is well-organized, and every player fights hard. We need to be more clinical in the box: against Brazil we had chances to extend our lead, but we nearly surrendered instead.

However, these high-intensity matches help the team gain experience in major competitions and grow. Against the Netherlands there won't be many scoring opportunities, so every chance created must be finished decisively.

Q: Can A. 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 a single season. Hakimi can play as a midfielder, push forward, and consistently contribute goals. Even playing over 60 matches in a season, his form never dips.

Q: Brahim Diaz has been playing inconsistently lately. Is it because he's not scoring and that's affecting his mentality?

A: Likely so. Compared to El Khannouss, who is in excellent form, Brahim Diaz is currently somewhat less competitive. He holds the ball too long and makes unnecessary touches, but he has also provided two brilliant assists to Saibari and possesses a unique ability to turn and evade defenders.

Q: Can Morocco's bench compare in quality to the starting lineup?

A: No, and that's normal. But the entire team has a very strong sense of unity, and whenever the team needs them, the substitutes always perform adequately. Only France can field three or four rotation squads of comparable quality.

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

A: I regret it deeply. Italy holds a special place in my heart; that country gave me all the honors of my career. But the reality is that Italy's top strikers are not even at the level of France's backup attackers. I sincerely hope Italian football will revive soon.

Q: Would you recommend Bouaddi and Ounahi to Serie A clubs?

A: Absolutely, Ounahi is very capable. Bouaddi's talent is even more outstanding—he's a once-in-a-lifetime genius. This young man's maturity far exceeds his peers; his tactical understanding and field presence are very mature, and his play resembles a veteran who has played 300 professional matches. His market value has already reached 100 million euros. However, Serie A clubs will struggle to sign him due to his excessive transfer fee.

Q: How do you think Anass Zaroury has developed since moving to Serie A?

A: This player is strong both in attack and defense. I still cannot understand why he received significantly less playing time at Roma than I expected. I tried to sign him when I was at Marseille, but the transfer fee exceeded our budget back then.

Q: In the round of 16, Morocco will face the Netherlands. If they win, their next opponent would be 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 compete for any position, and they are strong enough to inspire hope in their fans. I believe Morocco can go far in this World Cup, though football matches often depend on moments of fortune on the pitch.

Q: Do you approve of the expanded World Cup format?

A: I'm not optimistic. Too many matches, some games are not very entertaining, and ticket prices are too high. Football should belong to everyone, not just a few wealthy people.

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

A: Not at all. I'm very satisfied with my playing career and my current path in life. I watch matches now, but I haven't taken on any club positions since leaving Marseille, and I'm very content with this lifestyle right now.

Q: During your time at Marseille, you had transfer negotiations with Giovanni Carnevali, who was then general manager of Sassuolo and is now general manager of Juventus. Do you believe he's the man who can restore Juventus to former glory?

A: I'm 100% confident he can. Juventus's current management structure is very well organized. Giorgio Chiellini has outstanding vision, knows the club's history well, and embodies the club's core spirit.

Carnevali is very capable; Roberto De Zerbi spoke highly of him to me. During those transfer negotiations, I could already see that this manager was experienced, calm, and able to make important decisions. Juventus's current situation is unfortunate, but I firmly believe that the new management team will turn things around for the better.

Переведено ИИ.

Сайт AF теперь доступен! Читайте полные новости, комментарии, детали матчей и статистику на компьютере. Посетите: www.allfootballapp.com