“Not even if his name is Lionel Messi”

Morocco manager Vahid Halilhodzic has confirmed that Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech won’t be returning to the international setting any time soon. Halilhodzic used disciplinary reasons not to choose the 28-year-old winger for Africa Cup of Nations.

Halilhodzic is not willing to disrupt the atmosphere of the whole team for any individual player no matter how good he is.

Speaking to the media about the selection of Ziyech, the 69-year-old manager speak The following:

“The players that I have chosen are all the best in the country. I did not choose a player who can upset the balance of the group. Even if his name is Lionel Messi. Ziyech’s behavior is not in line with the situation. choice He doesn’t want to coach, he doesn’t want to play He doesn’t take it seriously I won’t beg him to come back After that [Afcon] tournament three years ago, he was the most criticized. He was booed. You must not forget that. “

The last time Ziyech played a game for the Moroccan national team was in June 2021 in a friendly against Burkina Faso. After the game, Halilhodzic criticized the Chelsea star’s behaviour, saying:

“His behavior in the last two matches, especially the last one, was not that of a national team player, as a leader in the team he has to be a positive role model. He’s late and then he even refuses to work. There’s no point in discussing it then, as a coach, the answer is right there to see. .”

Hakim Ziyech has 40 caps for Morocco, scoring 17 goals during his time with the national team.

Morocco, meanwhile, has left AFCON 2021 at the quarter-final stage, losing to the last team, Egypt.

Hakim Ziyech was ripped off by Morocco’s manager and reminded of the time he was booed by fans

Hakim Ziyech was ripped off by Morocco’s manager and reminded of the time he was booed by his own fans

At club level, Ziyech has had a pretty good season. The Blues winger has scored six goals and provided four assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.

Ziyech found the net of Chelsea before the international break. He scored a few goals in his final games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea vs Plymouth Argyle in FA Cup

Chelsea returned to action on 5 February after the international break with a game against Plymouth Argyle in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The Blues won 5-1 against Chesterfield in the previous round.

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After that, Chelsea will travel to the UAE for the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will play from the semi-finals. The Blues also host Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on February 27.