Rabat – Sofyan Amrabat has rejected Mohamed Ouahbi’s remarks that the player’s decision to step away from the Moroccan national team stems from frustration over his playing time.
Speaking to ESPN, the Morocco international said he was surprised by the coach’s comments and insisted that he has never demanded a bigger role with the Atlas Lions.
“I was very surprised. I did not expect that. It is a bit strange,” Amrabat said, according to ESPN.
The Ajax midfielder stressed that his relationship with the national team has never depended on how many minutes he receives. He said representing Morocco remains a source of immense pride and that he has always been prepared to contribute, whether he played 90 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes, or remained on the bench.
“I have never asked for more playing time, and I will never do so,” Amrabat said. “In football, you have to impose yourself and earn your place.”
The 30-year-old also dismissed the idea that his previous contributions should guarantee him a starting role. For Amrabat, what matters is what a player delivers on the pitch at present.
Read also:Ouahbi on Amrabat: ‘Your Past Earns You Respect, Not Privilege’
He said he felt particularly disappointed because he believes Ouahbi’s explanation did not reflect what he had actually communicated.
“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,” he said.
Amrabat also declined to reveal details of his disagreement with the coach, choosing instead to keep the matter private.
“I don’t want to talk about this subject anymore,” he said.
His comments come a day after Ouahbi addressed Amrabat’s decision, insisting that there was no conflict between them.
The coach had pointed to competition for places and playing time while emphasizing that a player’s past earns respect but does not guarantee a place in the team.
Amrabat announced earlier this month that he would make himself unavailable for Morocco while Ouahbi remains coach, while making clear that his decision does not amount to international retirement.
