Sofyan Amrabat responds to Mohamed Ouahbi: ‘I don’t like personal attacks’

Sofyan Amrabat has expressed his surprise at comments made by Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi after the midfielder said he would no longer play international football while Ouahbi remained in charge of the national team.

Speaking to ESPN, the 30-year-old Ajax player said his limited involvement at the World Cup had not influenced that decision.

“I was surprised. I didn’t expect it, it’s a little strange,” Amrabat said.

Ouahbi had addressed the situation at a news conference, saying there was no dispute between himself and Amrabat or between the player and the coaching staff.

“It is not easy to have a status like his and then accept that younger players are given more playing time,” said Ouahbi. “There is no conflict between Amrabat and me, nor with the staff. In football, the past earns you respect, but it does not give you any privileges.”

Amrabat rejected the suggestion that he had expected special treatment and emphasised his commitment to Morocco, regardless of how much he played.

“I played for my country with immense pride. It is the greatest honour there is,” he said. “Whether it is 90 minutes, 20, 10, or none at all. Even during the World Cup, when I was not playing, I was always there for the guys.

“I trained relentlessly; you can ask anyone about that. I have never demanded more playing time and I never will. In football, you have to fight for it and earn it.”

Amrabat said he wanted to move on from the disagreement and insisted the focus should remain on the national team rather than on his own situation.

“It is not about me, but about the team,” he said. “He is the coach, so I wish him the best. I wish the team the best.

“I don’t like personal attacks. He knows the reasons. We have not had an argument, and I prefer to leave it at that.”