Wydad Athletic coach Rulani Mokwena has expressed his unwavering desire to stay at the club despite their crushing 4-1 defeat to MAS Fes in the Botola Pro.
The loss left Wydad in a disappointing sixth place in the league standings after 16 matches, with the team now trailing leaders RS Berkane by 15 points heading into 2025.
Mokwena, 37, took full responsibility for the team's poor performance and made it clear that, despite the setback, he remains committed to turning the club's fortunes around.
"Anything I say will sound like excuses. So, let me just apologise to the Wydad family. When the team loses, it's the coach's fault, and I am putting my hand up," he said.
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The coach emphasized that while the players played their part, the blame for the result rested squarely with him, as he chooses the line-up, tactics, and preparation. Mokwena was candid in acknowledging the team's struggles, stating that the club knows where they stand, but he also took a reflective approach.
"First, I have to look at myself, my line-ups, my subs, my training, and preparation. I will always protect the players, I did so at my previous club, and I will do that to my last day at Wydad," he explained.
Despite the pressure, Mokwena reiterated his desire to stay and help Wydad regain their former glory.
"I want to stay and change things. I have the energy and the fighting spirit, but first, you have to acknowledge where we are. But I put the blame on my shoulders," he added.
The coach also made it clear that while he remains committed to the club, his future ultimately lies in the hands of the president and the board. He acknowledged that Wydad, as a top club, should not be losing in such a manner, and expressed his regret to the fans.
"The supporters especially deserve so much better. What the future holds? It's for the club to decide. I want to be here, that's what's important," he said.
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