Mustapha Hadji says Morocco manager Mohamed Wahbi’s tactical flexibility has allowed him to use a false nine, rather than exposing a shortage of traditional centre-forwards.
Wahbi turned to Ismail Saibari, formerly of PSV Eindhoven and now with Bayern Munich, to lead the attack at the 2026 World Cup. Saibari impressed in the role and emerged as one of Morocco’s standout performers at the tournament.
Hadji, the former Morocco international, rejected the suggestion that the team faced a crisis in finding a recognised striker. He said the squad had several attacking options, while Wahbi’s willingness to vary his system had influenced his selection decisions.
“We have young attacking options who impressed at the Under-20 World Cup, including Yasser Zabiri, who plays in the Spanish league,” Hadji said in a filmed interview with Kooora due to be published later. “I do not see a crisis in this position for the Morocco national team.”
Asked about Saibari’s role, Hadji added: “It is true that Saibari led the attack at the World Cup despite not being a classic striker, but Mohamed Wahbi can use his players in more than one way and he is influenced by Barcelona’s style.”
He continued: “Wahbi can use a false nine, as Pep Guardiola previously did with Barcelona and as Hansi Flick does now.”
Hadji also highlighted Saibari’s ability to operate across the front line. The Bayern Munich player can play as a number nine, a number 10 or on either flank, he said.
Morocco are due to face Niger in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture on 13 November 2026.
Hadji says Morocco continue to support Yamal
Hadji also defended Lamine Yamal’s decision to represent Spain rather than Morocco.
Yamal, who plays for Barcelona, made his Spain debut in September 2023. In the following three years, he has won the World Cup and the European Championship, despite still being 19 years old.
Hadji said Moroccan supporters had not turned against the teenager and continued to regard him as one of their own.
“Although Yamal represents Spain today, we Moroccans love and support him, and we consider his blood Moroccan,” he said. “He was young when he made the decision, and he plays for Barcelona, the biggest club in the world. He faced pressure, and it was difficult for him to reject the opportunity to play for the Spain senior team at such a young age.”
Hadji acknowledged that Yamal could have made a significant difference had he chosen Morocco, but said the player’s decision was understandable.
“It is true that Yamal being with the Morocco national team would have made a huge difference, but thank God for everything,” he added. “Today, 40 million Moroccans support him with Spain.”