Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi addressed Sofyan Amrabat’s decision to step back from the national team on Thursday, September 17, saying there is no conflict between the midfielder and the coaching staff.
“Amrabat is someone who has given a lot to the national team, someone very important who was part of Morocco’s great campaigns. We must not take that away from him,” Ouahbi said.
“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 added.
“There is no conflict between Amrabat, me or the staff. The past earns you respect, not privileges. We decide who plays based on merit and current form,” the coach continued.
“We have never had a conflict or a disrespectful discussion. The door is never closed to anyone and no place is guaranteed,” Ouahbi concluded in response to questions from the media.
Amrabat decided to step back from the national team on September 8, announcing on social media that he would no longer play under Ouahbi.
“Representing Morocco has been the greatest honor of my career. Since my first call-up 12 years ago, I have given everything for my country and worn the national team shirt with pride. My love for Morocco and everything this team represents to me will never change,” Amrabat wrote.
“I do not feel able to continue representing the national team under the current coach. I am therefore no longer making myself available to the national team for as long as he remains in charge,” he added.
“I want to be clear. I am not retiring from international football and I am not closing the door on a return to the Morocco national team,” he also stressed.
