AL RAYYAN, Qatar – As Morocco attempt to become the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, coach Walid Regragui is hoping the Atlas Lions’ success will also lead to more opportunities in Europe for coaches of Arab descent.
“This question is probably best to ask to the European clubs: ‘Why don’t they hire Arab coaches?’ Regragui told a news conference, a day before his team take on Portugal in the quarterfinals.
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“Maybe it’s a cultural question, maybe it’s a mentality aspect. Today, I think it’s impossible that Manchester City or Barcelona will bring an Arab coach. They don’t even think about it, as if we’re not worthy. As if we we’re ignorant in football or we’re incapable of such a task.
“However, there are moments in history that make people change their mind and it’s upon us the Arab and African cultures to show that we are ready.”
With a win against Portugal on Saturday, Morocco would advance to play the winner of England vs. France.
Since his 13-year playing career ended in 2011 — which was spent predominantly in France — Regragui’s coaching career has been limited to jobs in Morocco and Qatar. Over that time, Regragui said, other opportunities didn’t arise for due to a perceived lack of experience.
