Morocco coach Ouahbi insists Amrabat must earn his place after international rift

Mohamed Ouahbi says no Morocco player is guaranteed a place in his squad after Sofyan Amrabat made himself unavailable for selection while the coach remains in charge.

Amrabat was left out of Morocco’s latest squad, announced on Thursday as the team begins its qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The omission came two weeks after the midfielder said he would step away from international football under Ouahbi, although he stressed that he had not retired from the national team.

The decision marks a temporary break between Amrabat and the Atlas Lions, with the midfielder’s standing having changed significantly since Ouahbi replaced Walid Regragui.

Speaking at a news conference, Ouahbi rejected the suggestion that he had a personal dispute with the 30-year-old. However, he made clear that Amrabat’s reduced role was the result of sporting decisions rather than any disagreement away from the pitch.

“It is not easy to have a status and accept that young players are coming through and that you are being given less playing time,” Ouahbi said.

He then outlined his approach in emphatic terms: “The past deserves respect, but it must never grant privileges.”

Ouahbi added that he had never been in conflict with Amrabat and that there had been no “disrespectful discussions” between them. The issue, he said, was “just a question of playing time”.

“I have never had a problem with him; he simply did not like losing the leading role he had. Competition has become stronger,” he said. “No place is ever guaranteed for anyone.”

The coach insisted that Morocco now had greater depth and more alternatives available, meaning selection would be based solely on sporting considerations.

The comments underline the reasons for the breakdown that became increasingly apparent during the 2026 World Cup.

Amrabat had been a key figure under Regragui but slipped down the pecking order under Ouahbi, particularly as the young Ayyoub Bouaddi became more prominent. Amrabat started only one match at the tournament and made very limited appearances in the knockout rounds.

His brother Nordin had already spoken publicly after the competition about Sofyan Amrabat’s deep disappointment with the coach’s decisions. In September, the midfielder himself went further, saying: “I do not feel capable of continuing to represent the national team under the current coach.”

He also made clear that he was not permanently closing the door on the Atlas Lions.

Ouahbi adopted a similar position, saying: “The door is closed to nobody.”

A return therefore remains possible, but Amrabat would not automatically regain the status he previously held. Any reconciliation would depend on him competing for his place on the pitch.

A major figure in Morocco’s 2022 World Cup campaign, the former Manchester United player retains the coach’s respect. But under Ouahbi, reputation alone will not determine the hierarchy.