Morocco coach Ouahbi not held back by inexperience at international level

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi is stepping into new territory at the senior international level, preparing for a quarter-final clash with France. While he previously led Morocco to victory in the Under-20 World Cup in Chile last October, his current role with the senior team marks a significant progression.

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He was not only a good youth coach but also a man of strong values and principles.

Ouahbi, born in Belgium to Moroccan parents, has a long history in youth development, starting as an under-nines coach at Anderlecht at age 21. He rose through the club's ranks, eventually serving as an assistant coach before returning to youth development. During his 17 years at Anderlecht, he worked with future stars like Jeremy Doku and Youri Tielemans.

Jean Kindermans, who oversaw Anderlecht's youth development for years, described Ouahbi as not only a good youth coach but also a man of strong values. "He is an incredibly good motivator," Kindermans added, highlighting this as one of Ouahbi's key strengths in managing a team of "superstars."

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I think that is one of his strengths today, dealing with all those superstars, something he never was as a player himself. To command their respect, there has to be something like motivation and that is something he is capable of.

Since his appointment in March, Ouahbi has guided Morocco on an unbeaten run, winning six and drawing four of his first 10 games. His tactical acumen has been credited with improving the team's performance. Former Moroccan international Youssouf Hadji noted that the team now possesses its "own identity" and sticks to its style of play, regardless of the opposition.

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He sticks to his own style of play and isn't dictated to by the opposition. When Morocco play now, we have our own identity.