Morocco FA boss Faouzi Lekjaa has explained why they decided to sack head coach Vahid Halilhodzic three months before the FIFA World Cup.
The Moroccans announced the surprise decision on Thursday evening even though Halilhodzic had led the side to a spot at the World Cup.
Lekjaa has revealed that falling out with top players like Hakim Ziyech and Noussair Mazraoui was a big part of the decision to part ways with Halilhodzic.
"The national team cannot exclude high-level Moroccan players who play in teams all over the world, whatever the reason, that was how the fans and players felt," Lekjaa told Spanish outlet EFE.
"[The players and the public] did not understand the reason for excluding players who participated with the national team for six or seven years, depriving them of representing the national team for this round," he added.
"There was also a neglect in enhancing the players' association with their technical team and motivating them to give their best, which is the coach's primary role.
"This generated a feeling of indifference. In a brotherly atmosphere, it was necessary to explain to Vahid that Moroccans are getting tired of his approach. It was necessary for everyone to go their own way with their heads held high in this period of important victories."
