2023-10-17 15:31:00
Having become an almost indisputable starter at Deportivo Alavés, Abdelkabir Abqar, 24, is discovering La Liga at the start of the 2023-2024 season. Summoned for the third time by Walid Regragui, the native of Settat looks back on his rise and the evolution of Moroccan football, with the verb “to work” as his leitmotif.
A pure product of the Mohammed VI Football Academy, Abdelkabir Abqar continues his merry way in Spain. The central defender cut his teeth in the lower categories of Malaga before shining at Deportivo Alavés. The young Moroccan footballer caused a sensation last season in Liga 2 (Spanish second division), participating greatly in the Babazorros’ accession to La Liga.
Result: the 24-year-old caught the eye of national coach Walid Regragui. Called up for the third time in the national team, the one who is struggling with Nayef Aguerd, Ghanem Saïss and Yunis Abdelhamid in defense, might play his first match in the colors of the Atlas Lions, this Tuesday, October 17, at 8 p.m. once morest Liberia.
Le360 sport: You became a starter at Deportivo Alavés. Tell us regarding this rise to power.
Abdelkabir Abqar: Last season was one of the best years of my career. I didn’t expect us to be promoted to the first division. Thanks to the trust given by the new coach, the staff and all the people around us, we worked hard and gained a lot of confidence. I hope to continue winning matches and playing more and more.
These play-offs, the final victory during the barrages d’accession in LaLiga, communion with Alavés fans… What do you remember from all this?
The season was very complicated at the start, because when we went down to the second division. The fans were disappointed. They expected better. But thanks to work and our new way of playing our matches, we started to win, especially at home. We regained their trust until the promotion to the first division. It was the climax, happiness for everyone. These are unforgettable moments. The warm welcome we received from the supporters was very strong. This left an impression on me, and we hope to experience this once more.
You are part of a long list of Moroccan players trained at the Mohammed VI Football Academy. What memories do you have of your years within this institution?
The Mohammed VI Academy is a large institution which is beginning to be known around the world, and which trains very great players on an international scale. It’s the same thing for the youngest. I spent six years there, and thanks to the efforts made, the results are starting to come, and they will continue to come.
There are very young generations of players that everyone will hear regarding, who will come to strengthen and renew the national team. At the World Cup, there were at least five players trained there, same thing for the Espoirs (during the U23 CAN). We also feel it at the championship level, where a few players, who were trained with me, revealed themselves in Botola. This is the future of the national team.
Your generation has a lot of talent. The one who arrives, like you, in the national team, is she able to take the torch?
The current generation, with Youssef En-Nesyri, Azzedine Ounahi… The one who played in the 2022 World Cup, and who reached the semi-final, is of very good quality. I hope the next one will do better.
What relationship do you have with your coach, Luis García Plaza?
He gives me a lot of confidence. I hope to be able to work and play better to always gain more of his trust, in order to become the number one starter.
You are more experienced than a few seasons ago. What are the areas of progress that you notice in your game?
Already, I play in La Liga and not in the second division, that’s progress. There is a big difference between the two championships. Last year, I gained a lot of experience by playing all 38 games. Game following game, I gained confidence. In the first division, the level is higher and more demanding. You have to be focused and play intelligently. Given the number of meetings at this level, you have to learn to manage your efforts.
How do you judge the level of La Liga, which you discovered this season?
The level is much higher and very demanding. It is above all more technical. In the second division, you can make a mistake, but in La Liga, you can’t afford it, because you have to pay cash.
“Before and following the match, we talk to each other, of course. On the other hand, during the match, I consider them as adversaries” explained Abdelkabir Abqar regarding his compatriots who play in La Liga.
Who was your reference when you were young, the player who inspired you?
I watched videos of defenders to inspire me, players who had an impact on me. When I was little, I often heard regarding Nourredine Naybet (115 caps, editor’s note) regarding Moroccan players. He played the same position as me. I was influenced by his personality.
Recentlyyou faced Betis Sevilla from Abde Ezzalzouli and Chadi Riad. Is it exciting to play once morest your teammates in the selection?
I also played once morest Youssef En-Nesyri, once morest Sevilla FC. Before and following the match, we talk to each other, of course. On the other hand, during the meeting, I consider them as adversaries (smile). It’s exciting to see Moroccan players playing in the Spanish championship. It’s good for the national team.
Your recent performances have allowed you to be recalled to the National Team…
I was called up twice (the interview took place just before Walid Regragui’s list. Abdel Abqar was called up a third time with Morocco, editor’s note). It’s a dream to be part of the national team. I work on it every day, to ensure that when he calls me I am up to the task of earning my place with the Atlas Lions. It’s really a dream for me to be part of the group.
How did your first selections go, when you haven’t yet had the chance to play a single minute of play?
It was a good experience. I was given confidence and I was well received. I took advantage of it. I will continue to work and make sure I am ready at the right time to defend this jersey. There was a lot of stress (during his hazing), I had to sing like all the new guys, it’s the ritual (he laughs, a little embarrassed).
The African Cup of Nations is fast approaching. How do you rate your chances of participating?
Like I said, it’s anyone’s dream to play for their country. There are already great players in the national team. I will try to take my chance and earn my place in this group.
By Hicham Bennis
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