Frenchman Henri Michel has been officially announced as the new coach of the Moroccan national team, replacing Mohamed Fakhir who quit his post, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced on Wednesday. "Following the qualification of national team to the 2008 African Cup of Nations finals, Mr. Mohamed Fakhir asked to be discharged from his duty as national team coach," read a statement on the FRMF site on Wednesday. The statement said that Fakhir was asked to stay in charge of the Moroccan team until a suitable replacement was found. "As a result the FRMF decided to appoint Mr. Henri Michel as the new manager of the National team. He will begin his duties starting September 1st, 2007," the statement continued. Michel's appointment comes as no surprise after he stepped down as coach of Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek earlier this month.
The Moroccan national team The much traveled coach stated no reasons for quitting Zamalek but reports suggested that a deal with the FRMF was in the works. The 59-year-old had arrived in Morocco early on Wednesday to conclude the negotiations with the FRMF. Michel has previously coached the Moroccan national team between 1995 and 2000, helping the Atlas Lions qualify for the 1998 World Cup finals in France. He also guided Ivory Coast to the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany. Morocco finished their 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in charge of Group 12 with 10 points, seven ahead of second placed Malawi who still have a game in hand against Zimbabwe.
