Morocco Coach Halilhodzic: Ziyech Omitted from National Team After ’Crossing Limits’

On the eve of the publication of the list of 27 called-up players, some media had hinted at the possibility of a reconciliation between the coach and Ziyech. But this was not the case. After publishing the list of called-up players, Vahid Halilhodzic spoke about Hakim Ziyech’s case. He indicated that the player has crossed all limits and that it was necessary to make a firm decision.

"For each player there are limits. You know the non-selection of Ziyech was not because of one case. We tried to talk but each time it continues. At some point there are limits, and I had to say stop to this behavior," the national coach said at the press conference held at the Mohammed VI Complex in Salé.

For him, playing for his country is a strong act to be taken seriously. "I don’t want to get into the controversy. And above all not to respond to provocations. A player who refuses to train or play a match, for me it’s something I can’t accept."

The Franco-Bosnian coach measures the impact of his decision and says he is ready to assume it whatever the cost. He acknowledges that Hakim Ziyech is a talented player, but talent cannot justify all "disrespectful" behaviors towards the national team, he stressed.