Raja Casablanca’s management introduced Spanish coach Paco Jémez on Tuesday, September 1, as the successor to Nassrdine Nabi, with whom the club had reached a mutual agreement to part ways earlier. Jémez was presented during a press conference at the club’s academy, where he answered questions from journalists about his plans and ambitions with the Casablanca side.
Jémez will take charge of the Green Eagles for the upcoming season after several coaching experiences in Spain, Mexico and Iran, as well as a spell in England as an assistant coach. His appointment marks his first experience in African football.
During the press conference, Jémez spoke about his arrival at Raja and the ambitions that come with the new challenge. The Spanish coach stressed the importance of the move in his career.
“I am very happy to be here. This is probably the most exciting and important challenge of my career. I am joining the best club in Morocco and one of the best in Africa. The demands will be very high, but I am coming with huge motivation to build a good team and help the club win titles,” he said.
Jémez also expressed satisfaction with his first training sessions with the squad. “I have only had two training sessions with the team, but I like what I have seen. We have very good players and, in many ways, they are players I would have signed myself. I am very satisfied with the squad and we will try to build the best team possible,” he added.
Read also : What does Paco Jémez’s arrival mean for Raja Casablanca?
“I hope my time at Raja will not be limited to one or two seasons. I want to stay for a long time and be part of an increasingly ambitious project, to make Raja an even stronger club, both in Morocco and abroad. I know its history and I know how high the expectations are and how important the supporters’ backing is,” the Spanish coach said.
“After the welcome I have received since I arrived, it is now time to respond to them with hard work, good football and victories,” he added.
The former coach of Rayo Vallecano, Deportivo La Coruña and Real Zaragoza also spoke about the confidence shown in him by Raja sporting director Rogério Matias.
“For me, having been in Matías’ thoughts to manage Raja is very important. I think it is one of the most important challenges of my sporting career,” he said.
El Mehdi Al Harar and his teammates will compete in three competitions next season: the Botola Pro Inwi, the Throne Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.
