Mohamed Ouahbi Clarifies the Situation Surrounding Sofyan Amrabat's International Future
In a recent press conference, Moroccan national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi discussed the pressing issue concerning midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who has publicly declared his intention to step away from international duty as long as Ouahbi remains in charge. This announcement, communicated through Amrabat's social media, came on the heels of a noticeable reduction in his playing time with the national team, particularly as Ouahbi has shown a preference for integrating younger players into the squad. During his address, Ouahbi emphasized the significance of Amrabat's contributions to the national team, stating, "He has given a lot to the national team and is part of our recent history. We should not forget that and take it away from him. I understand his disappointment; it is not easy to have a certain status and find yourself sidelined when younger talents are coming in. It can be frustrating to get less playtime than desired, and that is something he must accept. There is no conflict between him and me or the coaching staff."
Ouahbi's Philosophy on Team Selection and Future for Amrabat
Coach Ouahbi elaborated on his selection philosophy, highlighting the meritocratic approach he intends to uphold. He assured fans and the media alike that the door remains open for Amrabat's return to the squad, stating, "It’s primarily about playing time; he wants to be on the pitch more. In football, past achievements earn you respect but not privileges. My guiding principle is meritocracy. If he feels he hasn’t played enough, that’s something he must come to terms with. The door is not closed, and there are no guaranteed spots on the team." This statement aims to quell any speculation of a power struggle between the coach and the player, reinforcing that Ouahbi values Amrabat's experience while also prioritizing the team's evolving needs.
As reported by footmercato.net.
