Turns out Morocco boss Walid Regragui was taking notes during Mikel Arteta's tactical seminar call #MAR 🇲🇦

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‘What he is doing is totally amazing’ – Mikel Arteta lauds Morocco boss Walid Regragui, who attended Arsenal manager’s tactical masterclass seminar in 2021

Mikel Arteta has hailed the ‘totally amazing’ work of Morocco boss Walid Regragui, who attended a tactical seminar done by the Arsenal manager.

The 47-year-old, who only took charge of the Atlas Lions in August, has defied the odds by taking his side to the World Cup semi-finals.

Morocco are the first African nation to reach the last four of the global tournament where they have beaten Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

They will have to knock out defending champions France on Wednesday night if they wish to progress into Sunday’s final against Argentina.

Regragui has earned plaudits over Morocco’s defensive resilience having conceded just once in Qatar – an own goal in their 2-1 win over Canada.

He could have Arteta to thank for Morocco’s blueprint after a picture has emerged on social media of him attending the Spaniard’s tactical masterclass Zoom call in 2021.

Arteta was explaining his coaching philosophy and tactical expertise, where he used Arsenal’s 2-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City in 2020 as an example.

And Regragui, who was the boss of Moroccan side Wydad AC at the time, could be seen as one of those listening intently in the call.

He was even spotted taking notes in the picture shared by Twitter user Eurofoot.

Fast forward a year, and Regragui is on the cusp of reaching the World Cup final in what is arguably the biggest fairy tale run in the tournament’s history.

And Arteta waxed lyrical over Regragui in his post-match press conference following Arsenal’s 2-1 friendly win over AC Milan on Tuesday.

He said: “The impact he’s having, he’s a total credit to them.

“What he is doing is amazing, and what he is transmitting is great.

“And it’s a really positive thing for world football to have an African team at the stage. They’re one of four very select teams in this World Cup.”

Looking ahead to the match against France, Regragui has insisted he is ‘confident’ his side can pull off another upset victory.

He said: “We have beaten some top sides. Before every match people thought we would get knocked out but we are still here. We are getting closer to our dreams and we will fight to get there.

“We are one of the four best teams in the world now and we want to reach the final. The best team, Brazil, is already knocked out. We are hungry.

“I don’t know if it will be enough but we want Africa to be on top of the world. I know we are not favourites but we are confident.

“You might think that’s crazy, but a bit of craziness is good.”

Listen to full commentary of Morocco vs France LIVE on talkSPORT, kick-off 7pm.