x

Morocco coach says he dropped Ziyech for “unacceptable behaviour”

Morocco head coach Vahid Halilhodzic says he dropped Hakim Ziyech due to the Chelsea winger’s unacceptable behaviour when he was on international duty in June.

Ziyech was left out of Morocco’s squad for their 2020 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Sudan on Thursday and Guinea next Monday.

The 28-year-old came off the bench in a 1-0 friendly win over Ghana three months ago before starting in a victory by the same scoreline against Burkina Faso.

Halilhodzic has explained he dropped the former Ajax man due to his conduct the last time he was called up.

“His behaviour in the last two matches, especially the last one, was not that of a national team player who as a leader in the team has to be a positive role model,” Halilhodzic said.

“He arrived late and, after that, he even refused to work. There was no point in discussing it afterwards, as a coach the answer is right there to see. For me, the national team is above everything, nobody can hold it hostage.”

Halilhodzic said Ziyech refused to play against Ghana, saying he was not fully fit, and did not want to come off the bench.

He added: “For the first time in my coaching career, I have seen behaviour that disappoints me. A player who refuses to play a game, admittedly a friendly, on the pretext that he is injured.

“The medical staff made several examinations and said he could play. He then refused to warm up in the second half because he was disappointed to be a substitute. For me, that type of behaviour is unacceptable.

“You can’t cheat with the national team. You are 100 per cent there or you are not.”

Former Morocco coach, Herve Renard, left Ziyech out of his squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2017.

Ziyech stated that he would not play for his country while Renard was in charge, but returned in September 2017 to win a first cap for almost a year.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Tinubu Appoints Ismael Ahmed as Executive Chairman of Presidential CNG Initiative

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Barrister Ismael Ahmed...

Alleged ₦80.2bn Fraud: EFCC Kicks as Yahaya Bello Seeks Medical Travel Abroad

By Gabriel Udeh The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,...

Why we’re raising concerns over alleged contract scam at NNPCL – Coalition

President Bola Tinubu has been asked to terminate the...

Tinubu Assures Abuja Residents, No More ” One Chance” Attacks

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju President Bola Tinubu has assured Abuja residents...

INEC Sets August 16 for Bye-Elections in 12 States, Resumes Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced August...

Tinubu Hosts Fubara, Wike, Rivers Lawmakers in Fresh Push for Peace

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday convened a closed-door meeting...

Kaduna Govt, SMEDAN Seal N1 Billion Partnership to Support MSMEs

The Kaduna State Government has signed a ₦1 billion...

President Tinubu Appoints Grace Henry as First Female Chair of Nigerian Legion

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Grace Henry, a 60-year-old...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img