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Tarek Skitoui: We Play the Final to Win the Title and Honor Moroccan Football
The Moroccan national team enters the Arab Cup final with a clear ambition and great determination, aimed at honoring national football and bringing the trophy back to Morocco. This was confirmed by the coach of the team, Tarek Skitoui, during the press conference preceding the final match, where he emphasized that reaching the final is an important step, but the true goal remains winning the title.
Skitoui stated that finals are often decided by small details, making mental focus and tactical discipline crucial elements in such encounters. He noted that the group is experiencing a positive atmosphere marked by harmony and a genuine desire to win, adding that the players are aware of the responsibility they hold towards Moroccan fans both at home and abroad.
The coach explained that the primary objective of participating in this tournament is to continue promoting Moroccan football and strengthen the renaissance it is experiencing on the continental and international levels. He added, “We have not yet reached a stage of complacency; we still aspire for more, and honoring national football in this venue can only be achieved by winning the title.”
Regarding the upcoming match against the Jordanian national team, Skitoui acknowledged the strength and tactical organization of the opponent, pointing out that the Jordanese team enjoys significant stability as its players have been together for many years, along with the experience of their coach who understands Moroccan football. However, he stressed that the desire within the Moroccan group is not only equal to but exceeds that of the rivals, asserting that the outcome will be decided on the pitch and not on paper.
Skitoui reflected on his relationship with coach Jamal Sellami, describing it as fraternal and professional, highlighting that facing two Moroccan coaches in an Arab final is a source of pride for national football. He affirmed that the familiarity between the coaches does not negate the uniqueness of each match, as the real scenario is written over ninety minutes, where the ability to adapt and make timely decisions becomes a decisive factor.
In response to ongoing discussions about his coaching future, Skitoui stressed that the honor of coaching the national first team remains a dream for any Moroccan coach. However, he clarified that his current focus is entirely on the Arab Cup final and on bringing joy to the players and Moroccan fans, considering this the true challenge at present.
The coach also praised the high spirit among his players, attributing the team’s success in reaching the final despite the limited time and numerous challenges to their strength, mental maturity, and high sense of responsibility. He confirmed that there are no first-choice or reserve players in the team but rather a complete group that approaches each match according to its dynamics and scenarios.
Regarding the keys to clinching victory in the final, Skitoui succinctly summarized: “We must not concede any goals, and we need to succeed in scoring.” He noted that preparations covered physical and tactical aspects, but the primary focus was on the mental side, given its direct impact in major matches.
Skitoui concluded his statements by reiterating that the objective for which the team has come to Qatar is clear from the beginning: to win the Arab Cup and dedicate it to the Moroccan people, expressing hope that celebrations would continue with more titles, whether at the level of the national reserve team or the first team, reflecting the advanced position that Moroccan football has attained both regionally and continentally.
