Sofyan Amrabat Clarifies His Position Amidst Controversy
Sofyan Amrabat has firmly refuted the claims made by Mohamed Ouahbi regarding his withdrawal from the Moroccan national team, asserting that it is not driven by dissatisfaction with his playing time. In an exclusive interview with ESPN, the international midfielder expressed his astonishment at the coach's remarks, emphasizing that he has never requested a larger role within the squad. "I was very surprised. I did not expect that. It is a bit strange," Amrabat conveyed, highlighting his bewilderment over Ouahbi's interpretation of his situation.
Amrabat reiterated that his dedication to the national team is not contingent upon the number of minutes he plays. He expressed immense pride in representing Morocco and affirmed his readiness to contribute in various capacities, whether that entails playing the full 90 minutes, a mere 10 minutes, or even staying on the sidelines. "I have never asked for more playing time, and I will never do so. In football, you have to impose yourself and earn your place," he stated, underlining his belief in meritocracy on the field.
Focus on Team Unity and Performance
The 30-year-old midfielder further clarified that past performances should not automatically secure a starting position, emphasizing the importance of current contributions on the pitch. He expressed disappointment with Ouahbi's comments, suggesting that they did not accurately reflect his intentions. Amrabat remarked, "This is not about me; it is about the team. He is the coach, and I wish him all the best. I also wish the national team all the best. I do not like trading accusations or getting into an argument over who said what, because that was never the reason. He knows the real reasons." This statement underscores Amrabat's focus on team cohesion over individual grievances.
Despite the tension between him and the coach, Amrabat opted to maintain discretion regarding their disagreement, stating, "I don’t want to talk about this subject anymore." His remarks came shortly after Ouahbi addressed the situation, asserting that there was no conflict and emphasizing the competitive nature of team selection. Ouahbi pointed out that while a player’s history may earn them respect, it does not guarantee a place in the starting lineup. Earlier this month, Amrabat announced that he would be unavailable for selection while Ouahbi remains at the helm, clarifying that this decision does not equate to an end to his international career.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
