Morocco’s Benatia Reveals Failed Mediation in Ziyech National Team Dispute

In an interview with Foot Mercato, the former captain of the Atlas Lions addressed the Ziyech affair, revealing details about the extent of the rift between the player and the national team coach.

"Ziyech’s problem is that he doesn’t want to come, because he feels he has been disrespected. It’s between him and the coach. They ask me questions as if I was there with them that day. I know Ziyech loves his country and the national team. He has never cheated and has always given his maximum. I tried to talk to him as a supporter, but he explained his choice to me," Benatia revealed.

And he added: "In my opinion, with Vahid he won’t come back," Benatia said firmly. "I don’t want to say he won’t come back, because I don’t hope so and he’s still young. If we go to the World Cup, I hope he’ll change his mind and want to come back. Morocco loses an important player like Mahrez in Algeria or Salah with Egypt. It’s shooting yourself in the foot. [...] I told Ziyech what I thought about it. Even if he has a big career in club, the national team brings something incomparable, incredible."