Sofyan Amrabat has hit back at Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi after the coach suggested that the midfielder’s frustration was linked to his lack of playing time.
Amrabat said a few days ago that he no longer wanted to play for Morocco as long as Ouahbi remained in charge. The comments came shortly after Ouahbi announced his 29-man squad for Morocco’s opening two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho on September 25 and 29.
Ouahbi said Amrabat’s frustration was partly understandable, pointing to the arrival of younger players and the reduced role that came with it. “His disappointment is not easy to deal with. It is not easy to accept the arrival of young players and the fact that you are playing less,” he said, while stressing the importance of a player “who has given a lot to the national team.”
The coach, however, made his position clear. “The past earns you respect, not privileges. We decide who plays based on merit and current form.”
Speaking to ESPN, Amrabat responded to Ouahbi’s comments, describing the explanation as “strange.” “I didn’t expect that. It’s a little strange,” he said.
Amrabat insisted that his commitment to Morocco has never depended on how much time he spends on the pitch. “I have played for my country with immense pride. It is the greatest honor there is. Whether it is 90 minutes, 20, 10 or not at all. Even during the World Cup, when I wasn’t playing, I was always there for the guys.”
“I trained incredibly hard; you can ask anyone about that. I have never demanded more playing time and I never will. In football, you have to fight for your place.”
Read also : Sofyan Amrabat refuses Morocco call-up as long as Mohamed Ouahbi remains coach
The Ajax defensive midfielder nevertheless chose to tone things down. “It’s not about me, but about the team. He is the coach, so I wish him the best. I wish the team the best. I don’t like personal attacks,” he said, while reiterating that he has no personal dispute with Ouahbi.
