Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat has rejected national team coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s explanation for his decision to make himself unavailable for the Atlas Lions, saying playing time was never the reason behind his stance.
Speaking to ESPN, the Ajax midfielder said he was surprised by Ouahbi’s comments suggesting that Amrabat had decided not to join the national team because he was unhappy with the number of minutes he had been receiving.
“I didn’t expect that. It’s a little strange,” Amrabat said, adding that he had never asked to be guaranteed a starting place with Morocco.
“I have never done that throughout my career, whether at any club I have played for or with the national team,” he said.
The 30-year-old midfielder stressed that representing Morocco remained a source of pride regardless of how much playing time he received.
“I have always played for my country with great pride. Representing the national team is the greatest honor a player can have, whether you play 90 minutes, 20 minutes, 10 minutes or don’t play at all,” Amrabat said.
He pointed to his experience at the most recent World Cup, saying that even when he was not regularly playing, he remained committed to supporting his teammates and working hard in training.
“Even during the World Cup, when I didn’t play, I was always ready for my teammates. I trained as hard as I could, and you can ask anyone about that,” he said.
Amrabat also denied ever asking Ouahbi for additional playing time.
“I have never asked him for more playing time, and I never will. In football, you have to impose yourself and earn your place,” he said.
The midfielder, who has made 78 appearances for Morocco, also denied having a personal dispute or confrontation with Ouahbi.
“He knows the reasons for my decision. We spoke several times, and those conversations were always in a good atmosphere. I prefer to leave it at that,” Amrabat said.
Amrabat said he did not want to turn the issue into a public dispute with the national team coach.
“I don’t like exchanging accusations. It’s not about me; it’s about the national team. He is the coach, so I wish him all the best, as I do the national team,” he said.
Amrabat had previously announced through an Instagram Story that he would not represent Morocco under Ouahbi.
Ouahbi addressed the decision during a news conference Thursday at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, saying a player’s past achievements earn respect but do not guarantee preferential treatment in the national team.
The coach said current form and the amount of playing time a player receives at his club are among the criteria considered when selecting the national team squad.
Ouahbi said Amrabat’s situation was primarily linked to his limited recent playing time, stressing the importance of regular competition and match readiness ahead of international call-ups.
The differing accounts leave the reasons behind Amrabat’s decision disputed, with the player explicitly rejecting playing time as the explanation offered by the coach.
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