Bougherra: “Football matches are played on the pitch and not in media outlets”
The Algerian international, Madjid Bougherra, who is currently UNICEF's goodwill Ambassador in Algeria said during a visit organized by the Unicef office in the western province of Oran that the June 4 derby confrontation in Marrakech between Algeria and Morocco would be most grueling indeed for both national squads.
- Moreover, the talented Algerian defender of Scottish first-division outfit of Glasgow Rangers underlined that football matches were to be played on the pitch and not in media outlets in reference to the latest bombastic statements made about the upcoming Maghrebian derby match by Morocco’s Belgian coach Eric Gerets. During his Oran visit, Madjid Bougherra heartily gave an exclusive interview to Echorouk.
- Echorouk: Tension is running high by leaps and bounds as the decisive second-leg African Nations’ Cup qualifier due to be played in Marrakech stadium on June 4th between the national squads of Algeria and Morocco is getting nearer. What is your comment?
- Bougherra: This return derby match in Marrakech will be extremely difficult and grueling indeed for both teams and its outcome is anybody’s guess.
- The Moroccans will do everything to carry the day at home but the Greens of Algeria are determined to withstand the Moroccan offensive spurts and to wrench a draw and why not a victory synonymous with three points in order to upgrade our chances of qualification in our group.
- All the Algerian players are fully conscious of the task devolved upon them on June 4th in Marrakech stadium. I am truly confident that they will not let down the millions of Algeria football fans who all yearn for a clear away victory.
- Echorouk: Aren’t you afraid of the huge tension upon you during the Marrakech confrontation between the two Maghrebian national squads?
- Bougherra: Absolutely not! The tension will be rather on the shoulders of the Moroccan players.
- As far as I am concerned, this type of tension will only prompt me to wholly exert myself and to do my best on the pitch in order to help my team achieve a good result at the end of the 90 minutes of play plus injury time.
- For me, built-up tension is a stimulating motivation to do well during this decisive qualifier.
- Echorouk: The lucky winner of the Marrakech derby match will have the maximum chances to secure a berth in the 2012 African Cup of Nations final round, according to numerous sports commentators. What is your comment about this projection?
- Bougherra: I should say that all the four teams of the group who have four points each can vie for a qualification but it is obvious that if the Greens of Algeria triumph in Marrakech, their qualification chances for the final round of this African football contest will be immensely bolstered.
- Let’s hope for the best and time will tell!