Moroccan player: I was sad to see El-Rakraki leave... and this is my stance on Xavi
Moroccan international Omar El Hilali, the 22‑year‑old right‑back who has become a regular starter for RCD Espanyol in LaLiga, spoke to Sport about his feelings after the recent change in the Atlas Lions’ coaching staff.
El Hilali explained that he had a strong personal and professional relationship with former national team coach Walid Regragui, known in Morocco as “El‑Rakraki”. The defender said the two were in constant contact throughout the qualification campaign.
When Regragui decided not to call El Hilali up for the latest international window, he personally informed the player and provided an explanation, according to the interview.
“I was very saddened by El‑Rakraki’s departure,” the Espanyol full‑back said, referring to Regragui’s resignation from the Atlas Lions after the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
The departure of Regragui came just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament in which Morocco hopes to improve on its historic quarter‑final run in 2022.
Following Regragui’s exit, Mohamed Wahbi was appointed as interim coach and selected his first squad, which omitted El Hilali for the second consecutive time, marking the player’s third straight exclusion from the national team.
El Hilali accepted the decision, stressing that “football is all about performance” and that he must continue to prove his worth at club level.
In LaLiga, Espanyol have been battling in the lower half of the table, a situation that has limited El Hilali’s opportunities to showcase his attacking contributions.
| Competition | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|
| LaLiga (2025‑26) | 14th | 32 |
Despite the club’s struggles, the defender has logged 2,340 minutes this season, delivering an average of 2.1 tackles per game and a 71 % pass completion rate.
| Stat | Value | Season Average |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 2,340 | 2,310 |
| Tackles per Game | 2.1 | 1.9 |
| Pass Completion % | 71 | 68 |
El Hilali’s tactical profile fits the modern full‑back mold: he contributes to both defensive solidity and forward thrust, often overlapping with Espanyol’s wingers in the final third.
He has been praised for his ability to deliver accurate low crosses, a skill that could be valuable for the Atlas Lions, who rely on quick transitions from defense to attack.
Looking ahead, the defender expressed optimism about the possible appointment of Xavi Hernández as Morocco’s head coach after the World Cup.
“Xavi is a legend, and many players would welcome him as coach of the Moroccan national team,” El Hilali said, acknowledging the widespread admiration for the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder.
He added that some within the Moroccan football community prefer a domestic coach with deep roots in the country’s footballing culture, indicating a split in opinion.
Nevertheless, El Hilali emphasized his respect for Mohamed Wahbi, stating that the interim coach is “very capable” and that he hopes Wahbi will succeed at the World Cup.
Wahbi’s tenure began with a focus on defensive organization, a philosophy that aligns with the Atlas Lions’ historically strong back line.
Morocco qualified for the 2026 World Cup by finishing second in Group G of the African qualifiers, posting a record of five wins, two draws, and one loss.
| Qualifier Group | Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|
| Group G | 5 | 2 |
The Atlas Lions will enter the tournament in Group C, alongside Brazil, Portugal and Japan, a draw that presents a significant challenge.
Morocco’s last World Cup appearance in 2022 saw them reach the quarter‑finals, defeating Spain and Portugal in the knockout stage before losing to France.
That historic run raised expectations for the 2026 edition, placing additional pressure on the coaching staff and the squad selection.
El Hilali’s exclusion from the current roster means he will miss the World Cup, but his performances for Espanyol could earn him a recall for future international tournaments.
The defender’s contract with Espanyol runs until June 2028, providing him with stability to develop his game in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Espanyol’s head coach, Diego López, has publicly praised El Hilali’s work ethic and his ability to adapt to different tactical systems, from a back‑four to a back‑three formation.
In the upcoming LaLiga fixtures, Espanyol will face Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad, matches that could further showcase El Hilali’s defensive contributions.
Moroccan football analysts have noted that the national team’s depth at right‑back is considerable, with players such as Achraf Dari and Nabil El Zein also competing for the position.
The Atlas Lions’ current tactical setup under Wahbi emphasizes a compact defensive block, with full‑backs instructed to stay narrow and support the midfield.
El Hilali’s attacking instincts would require a slight tactical adjustment should he be reintegrated into the national side, a point he acknowledged in the interview.
He concluded by wishing the current coaching staff success at the World Cup and reaffirmed his commitment to improving his game at Espanyol.
