AFCON 2021: ‘Even if His Name is Lionel Messi, I Will Not Beg Him’ – Morocco Coach Slams Ziyech

Morocco national team manager, Vahid Halilhodzic has made a firm stand that he would never beg Hakim Ziyech to return to the team.

The 69-year-old said never will he implore him even if his name is Lionel Messi.

The Chelsea forward has got a slap in the face after having been dumped by the Bosnian coach.

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The former Ajax star was left out of the Morocco squad that competed in the ongoing African Cup Of Nations which has already reached the final stage.

Meanwhile, the Atlas Lions were sent packing in the quarter-final after a 2-1 loss to Egypt on Sunday.

The 69-year-old coach gave reasons why he had not included Ziyech in the team’s squad for the 33rd AFCON in Cameroon.

Also Read: AFCON 2021: Egypt Send the Host Packing After Semi Final’s 3-1 Win on Penalties

He said the player didn’t want to train and wrongly claimed to be injured.

Halilhodzic said: “After the [AFCON] tournament three years ago, he was the most criticised.”

“He was booed, you mustn’t forget that. I don’t select a player who can unbalance the group, not even if his name is Lionel Messi.”

“Ziyech’s behaviour does not fit the selection. He doesn’t want to train, doesn’t want to play. He doesn’t take it seriously. I’m not going to beg him to come back.”