13-04-2025
Saïss reveals details of Mazraoui-Halilhodžić Rift
Former Morocco captain Romain Saïss has spoken out about the training ground incident that led to a fallout between Noussair Mazraoui and former national team coach Vahid Halilhodžić.
Speaking on the Club des 5 podcast, Saïss described the moment: 'We were in training. After a drill, Vahid told us to drink water. Mazraoui didn't move. The coach told him again. Mazraoui replied, 'Thanks, but I'm not thirsty.''
Halilhodžić insisted. Mazraoui declined again, saying he had already drunk water. Under pressure, he picked up a bottle and mimed drinking. Halilhodžić realised and ordered him off the pitch.
The incident led to Mazraoui being dropped from several camps. He was later recalled after tensions eased. The coach also had a similar conflict with Hakim Ziyech.
Halilhodžić managed Morocco from 2019 to 2022. He took the national team to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals before being knocked out by Egypt. and secured qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but he was dismissed.
The Bosnian manager had another fallout with Hakim Ziyech, accusing him of lacking professionalism.
'Ziyech's behaviour does not fit the selection,' he told the press. '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.'
Ziyech responded on a story on Instagram: 'Speak the truth the next time you talk!' adding a clown emoji.
The current Qatar's Al-Duhail playmaker later told close contacts: 'Whatever this national coach does, whether he flies high or low, stands at my doorstep, wants to sleep in my attic or in my basement, I will not play for this national coach.'
Ziyech refused to return while Halilhodžić remained in charge. He rejoined the national squad for the friendlies ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after the coach was sacked in August 2022 and replaced by current head coach Walid Regragui. Tags: Noussair Mazraouiromain saissVahid HalilhodzicWalid Regragui
