Karim Khoukhchi after MC Oujda: mental strength made the difference

Karim Khoukhchi first thanked the board, the players and the technical staff. All week, the squad knew the game would be difficult, but also that it was a chance to go top, with the leading sides held to draws this matchday. The staff therefore worked on mental strength, which he said showed on the pitch: after conceding from an individual error, then missing a penalty, IZK kept going, equalised before half-time and went ahead after the break.

He restated the club’s two aims: building a competitive team and bringing through the town’s youngsters. Eleven players from the club’s academy train with the squad, and the staff bring several of them on in every match. After Issam Benouahi and El Mahdi Elmessaoudi, it was Bilal Essadrati’s turn. He showed skill and hunger, and played around twenty minutes. His playing time will grow step by step, perhaps a half next time, as he is discovering the second division and still lacks experience.

He defended Mohammed Moujahid: his performance was not poor, but the missed penalty knocked him out of his stride, and the staff are supporting him. He also rejected the idea that the attack is struggling.

Asked about fitness, he dismissed any weakness, pointing to the high tempo of the closing minutes, when both sides were attacking. He acknowledged some tiredness late on, due to a late start to pre-season and few friendlies. He blamed injuries on switching between training on artificial turf and playing on natural grass. On kick-off times, he said the club does not choose them: the schedule is set by the football authorities, and the team adapts.

As for promotion, he feels the season has only just begun. He asked supporters to back the team and its youngsters rather than add pressure on social media.

Press conference filmed by Khémisset Sport TV (Facebook). Photo: Khémisset Sport TV.