Amrabat's Reaction to Coach Ouahbi's Comments

Sofyan Amrabat, the talented midfielder from Ajax Amsterdam and the Moroccan national team, expressed his astonishment at the unexpected comments made by Morocco's coach, Mohamed Ouahbi. In a recent statement, Amrabat indicated that he did not foresee Ouahbi making such remarks, particularly in light of his recent decisions regarding his participation in the national squad.

Earlier, Amrabat took to his Instagram account to announce that he would be stepping away from the national team as long as Ouahbi remains in charge, asserting that his decision does not equate to retiring from international football, leaving open the possibility of a future return. This surprising announcement has drawn significant attention and speculation among fans and analysts alike.

Clarifying His Position

In response to Ouahbi's comments regarding Amrabat's limited playing time during the recent World Cup, the 30-year-old midfielder firmly denied any connection between his decision and his role as a substitute during the tournament. Speaking to ESPN, Amrabat remarked, "I didn't expect him to say that; it's somewhat strange." He emphasized that representing his country is a great honor, regardless of the minutes played on the pitch. Amrabat stated, "Whether I played 90 minutes, 20 minutes, or even if I didn’t get to play at all, it was a source of pride for me. I've always supported my teammates, even when I was not on the field. I trained hard, and you can ask anyone. I've never demanded more playing time, nor will I ever. In football, you have to prove yourself and earn your place."

Moreover, Amrabat made it clear that he does not wish to escalate the situation further, insisting that the focus should remain on the team rather than individual disputes. He expressed his best wishes for coach Ouahbi and the national team, stating, "I do not enjoy exchanging accusations." Amrabat also dismissed any notion of a rift with Ouahbi and spoke positively about his teammate Ayoub Bouaddi, who has taken his place in the national squad, saying, "He’s a fantastic player and a very nice young man. I wish him all the best."

As reported by aljazeera.net.