Younès Belhanda still hasn’t got over being left out of Morocco’s 2022 FIFA World Cup squad

The former Moroccan international, who currently plays for Al-Sailiya in Qatar, has expressed his resentment towards the former manager of the Atlas Lions, Walid Regragui.

During his appearance on the programme ‘Riolo Club’, Younès Belhanda mainly criticised Walid Regragui for his lack of communication at the time the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup was announced. Yet, according to him, the two men had a good relationship and were in regular contact.

“I’m still holding a grudge against him. I didn’t understand it. I’d just come out of a period where I hadn’t been called up to the national team. I was very close to Walid. We spoke often. On the day the squad was announced, I rang him and he didn’t answer,” he said.

Belhanda believes he could have accepted a sporting decision if it had been clearly explained to him. However, his former manager’s silence has left a bitter taste in his mouth.

“Just give an explanation. You’re a decent bloke, you tell me: ‘Younès, I’m making choices.’ I’m not 15 years old. I was 32. I would have understood and got over it. But not a single call, nothing! It was very painful. I haven’t got over it,” confided the Moroccan midfielder.