Sofyan Amrabat has responded to the latest comments from Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, offering his side of the story after stepping away from the Atlas Lions while the current coach remains in charge.
Speaking to ESPN, the Ajax midfielder described Ouahbi’s explanation as “a little strange” and insisted that playing time was never the reason behind his decision.
The exchange comes just days after the 30-year-old announced that he would make himself unavailable for Morocco while Ouahbi remains at the helm.
Ouahbi’s Explanation
After announcing his latest squad for Morocco’s upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Gabon and Lesotho, the coach addressed the situation surrounding the experienced midfielder.
Ouahbi suggested that Amrabat had been disappointed by his reduced playing time and the arrival of younger players competing for places.
- “His disappointment is not easy to live with. It’s not easy to accept young players coming in and playing less,” the coach explained.
At the same time, he acknowledged the midfielder’s contribution to the national team while making clear that past achievements would not guarantee selection.
- “The past gives you respect, not privileges. We decide who plays based on meritocracy and current form,” Ouahbi said.
Amrabat Rejects the Playing-Time Explanation
The former Manchester United and Fenerbahçe midfielder offered a different perspective when asked about the comments.
- “I didn’t expect it. It’s a little strange,” he told ESPN.
He then insisted that he had never demanded more minutes with Morocco.
- “I played for my country with immense pride. It is the greatest honour there is. Whether it is 90 minutes, 20, 10 or none at all,” he explained.
His message was clear: his commitment to the national team was never dependent on how much time he spent on the pitch.
‘I Never Asked for More Playing Time’
The midfielder pointed specifically to his attitude during Morocco’s historic World Cup campaigns.
- “Even during the World Cup, when I wasn’t playing, I was always there for the guys. I trained incredibly hard; you can ask anyone about that,” he said.
- “I never asked for more playing time and I never will. In football, you have to fight for your place.”
The comments directly challenge the idea that frustration over his role was behind his decision to step away from international football.
A Different Perspective on the Situation
Despite his response, the Ajax player was careful not to turn the situation into a personal confrontation.
- “It’s not about me, it’s about the team,” he said.
He also wished the coach and the national team well, while making clear that he does not want the situation to become a personal dispute.
- “He’s the coach, so I wish him the best. I wish the team the best. I don’t like personal attacks,” he added.
The Door Has Not Been Closed
The current situation does not represent an international retirement.
The midfielder previously made clear that he was making himself unavailable while Ouahbi remains Morocco’s head coach, rather than permanently ending his international career.
That leaves the possibility of a future return should circumstances change.
For now, however, the Atlas Lions will move forward without one of the most experienced midfielders of the past decade, while the two sides have offered different perspectives on what led to the separation.
Amrabat’s latest comments have added another layer to the story, but his message remains focused on the team rather than on a personal confrontation with the coach.