Sofyan Amrabat steps back from Morocco duty under Ouahbi

Sofyan Amrabat has made headlines by declaring himself unavailable for selection to the Moroccan national team while Mohamed Ouahbi remains in charge. The 30-year-old midfielder, who recently joined Ajax, clarified that this decision does not equate to retirement from international football, a point he emphasized in a recent Instagram post.

Amrabat's announcement comes just ahead of Morocco's qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, where they are set to face Gabon and Lesotho. The midfielder expressed that the choice to step back was not made lightly, stating, "This has been a very difficult decision, but I do not feel able to continue representing the national team under the current head coach."

While he refrained from disclosing specific reasons for his decision, Amrabat indicated that he preferred to keep his motivations private out of respect for the national team and its stakeholders. He made it clear that he would not be available for selection as long as Ouahbi is at the helm, which raises questions about the coach's management and the dynamics within the squad.

Amrabat's role in the national team has been significant, particularly during Morocco's remarkable journey to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup under former coach Walid Regragui. However, since Ouahbi took over in March, Amrabat's playing time has diminished, with the emergence of Manchester City midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi further complicating his position in the squad. The Ajax player started only one of Morocco's six matches in the recent World Cup, highlighting a shift in the team's tactical approach and player selection.

Despite stepping back, Amrabat remains supportive of the national team, declaring himself Morocco's "biggest fan" as they embark on their AFCON qualification campaign. His decision reflects not only personal sentiments but also the broader implications of coaching choices on player morale and team cohesion.

Let's Call It What It Is

As Morocco prepares for its upcoming matches, the absence of a player of Amrabat's caliber could have significant ramifications. His experience and skill set have been pivotal in the past, and his decision to step away raises concerns about the team's depth and strategy moving forward. The national team must now navigate these qualifiers without one of its key players, which could affect their performance and aspirations in the tournament.

Amrabat's situation underscores the delicate balance between player management and coaching philosophy. With the AFCON on the horizon, Ouahbi will need to reassess his squad dynamics and find ways to motivate and integrate players who may feel similarly disillusioned. The coach's ability to adapt to these challenges will be crucial as Morocco aims to secure its place in the tournament and build on its recent successes on the international stage.