Hakim Ziyech’s technical quality is not in question, but Botafogo head coach Tite believes the Moroccan international needs time to reach his best physical condition and make a greater impact in Brazil.
The former Ajax and Chelsea playmaker started Botafogo’s 1–0 victory over Chapecoense on Saturday but was substituted in the 55th minute. After the match, Tite explained that the midfielder’s next step is to improve his physical sharpness and adapt to the demands of Brazilian football.
The coach’s comments highlighted the balance between recognising Ziyech’s natural talent and giving him the time needed to deliver consistently in a new footballing environment.
Tite Explains What Ziyech Needs to Improve
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Tite pointed to physical conditioning and a lack of match rhythm as the main areas requiring attention.
- “Ziyech is primarily lacking in physical conditioning, match rhythm, and overall fitness,” the Botafogo manager said.
Despite identifying those challenges, Tite was clear in his appreciation of the Moroccan’s technical ability. He believes the next stage of the adaptation process involves translating that quality into a higher tempo and greater influence throughout matches.
- “His technical quality is impressive, but he needs to raise his performance tempo and improve his physical fitness to allow him to adapt to the rhythm of Brazilian football,” he added.
For a creative player whose game relies on vision, passing and the ability to produce decisive moments, building the physical capacity to sustain performances over longer periods could prove important to his role in the team.
A New Challenge in Brazilian Football
Ziyech’s move to Botafogo represents another chapter in a career that has taken him through several different footballing environments.
After establishing himself at Ajax and later playing for Chelsea, the Moroccan international is now facing the challenge of adapting to Brazilian football, with its own tactical demands, intensity and competitive rhythm.
Starting against Chapecoense was an opportunity to gain valuable minutes, although his withdrawal after 55 minutes illustrated that his integration is still developing.
Tite, however, remained patient when discussing the midfielder’s prospects, expressing confidence that his condition and overall performances can improve as he becomes more accustomed to the team's demands.
“He will get used to the game here, reach the required fitness levels to perform better, and ultimately raise his overall level,” the coach concluded.
Building on His Time at Wydad
Before joining Botafogo, Ziyech had a spell with Wydad Athletic Club, where he recorded nine goals and two assists in 16 matches, according to the supplied report.
Those numbers offered a reminder of the attacking contribution he can provide when given the opportunity to influence games. At Botafogo, the challenge is to reproduce that decisive impact while adjusting to a new league and working towards the physical level required by his coach.
Ziyech signed a contract running until the end of 2028, giving him time to establish himself and build a longer-term role at the Brazilian club.
The Road Ahead for the Moroccan International
For Moroccan supporters, the focus will be on how quickly the experienced playmaker can translate his technical strengths into consistent performances for Botafogo.
Tite’s assessment was not a dismissal of Ziyech’s ability. Instead, it identified the areas the coaching staff believe must improve before the midfielder can deliver more regularly across full matches.
With his technical quality already recognised by the manager, the next objective is to build match fitness, adapt to the pace of Brazilian football and increase his influence in the final third.
The talent is there; the priority now is adaptation. As Ziyech continues his new chapter in Brazil, his progress will depend on how effectively he combines his creativity and experience with the physical demands of his new environment.