As the Moroccan professional football clubs make strategic moves in preparation for the 2026-2027 season, the trend of hiring Portuguese coaches raises significant questions regarding the future of local Moroccan coaches. A notable shift is evident as six clubs, including Wydad Casablanca, FUS Rabat, and the Royal Army Club, have opted to engage Portuguese managers, highlighting a growing confidence in foreign coaching talents while simultaneously diminishing the presence of national expertise within technical staff.
This marked preference for Portuguese coaches is indicative of a broader confidence in foreign management, yet it also casts a shadow on the status of homegrown talent. Many observers suggest that this inclination does not always stem from clear technical criteria but rather reflects a prevailing belief among club managers that hiring a foreign coach, particularly from Portugal, is a more attractive option. This perception persists despite numerous past experiences where foreign hires have not yielded the expected results, often leading to early dismissals that incur substantial financial costs for the clubs.
In a conversation with sports critic and journalist Mehdi Ahjib, he emphasized that the trend of hiring Portuguese coaches has become somewhat of a 'fashion' among Moroccan club managers, rather than a decision based on thorough technical analysis. He pointed out that many clubs have shifted their focus from finding the best-suited coach for their team’s identity and goals to merely hiring the coach willing to accept the lowest salary and least demanding conditions. This shift in priorities raises concerns about the quality of the projects being presented to fans, as reduced financial outlay does not guarantee successful outcomes. In some instances, it may even serve as a façade to mask the lack of strategic planning and vision.
Ahjib articulated that the issue is not with the Portuguese coaching school, which has produced renowned figures and achieved substantial successes, but rather with the mentality of certain managers who reduce football to a cost-cutting exercise. They often seek the cheapest options while expecting significant outcomes, readily placing blame on the coach at the first sign of trouble, while the underlying causes relate to poor management and the absence of a clear sporting project.
He further stressed that Moroccan clubs do not need low-cost signings as much as they need management that recognizes that investing in talent and experience is ultimately less expensive than paying the price for failure at the end of each season. He believes that trusting competent national coaches, when available, is just as crucial as hiring any foreign manager.
Critics of this trend argue that the Moroccan professional league is rich in local talent that has amassed considerable experience, both domestically and internationally, and has proven its ability to compete and win titles. However, these coaches often find themselves sidelined as clubs prefer to pursue foreign names, even when their track records are less impressive.
Despite some clubs continuing to bet on national talent, they remain a minority in light of the growing Portuguese presence. This situation reignites the debate over the fairness afforded to Moroccan coaches and the extent to which club officials believe in their capabilities, especially given the successes they have achieved in various local and continental competitions.
As the new season approaches, the pressing question remains: Will the Portuguese coaches justify the significant trust placed in them, or will the results prompt a reevaluation of Moroccan coaches who seek a genuine opportunity to prove their competence beyond preconceived notions and the prevailing preference for foreign schools?
As reported by hesport.com.
