Michael Raisiger, coach of the Netherlands U21 national team, has revealed that Ayoub Oufkir’s decision to represent the Moroccan national team came as a surprise to him, confirming that the player had stressed his commitment to the Dutch project just days before the announcement. The Dutch coach’s remarks came in an interview with a programme on the Dutch ESPN channel, in which he discussed the background to the player’s choice.
Raisiger explained that he held several meetings with Oufkir, the last of which took place in the city of Alkmaar just five days before the announcement of his choice of Morocco. He noted that during those meetings the player affirmed his confidence in the Dutch project and his readiness to be present in the next international break.
A sporting and human loss for the Dutch national team
Raisiger described Oufkir’s absence as a major loss, not only because the player possesses footballing quality, but also because he is a pleasant person whom the coach would like to have within the group. He added that the timing of the decision, just days before an important international period, made it painful for him.
Responding to a question about whether he had visited the player along with Nigel de Jong at the Alkmaar club to discuss his international future, Raisiger confirmed that this was true, noting that the conversation involved an exchange of trust and promises between the two parties.
The journalist asked him whether the player had informed them that he would be present in the next international break and was looking forward to joining the senior Netherlands team in the future, and the coach replied that he had never found himself in a similar situation during his long career.
He added that similar cases were less frequent in the past, although players always have the freedom of choice and it is natural for them to think about their future. He affirmed that he respects Oufkir’s decision, but what he regrets is the timing of the late announcement, wishing he had received the news a while ago rather than a week before the gathering.
Asked whether the player had been frank with them, Raisiger said that he could have informed them of the reality of his position during one of the conversations, but he considered describing the matter as deception to be a somewhat strong expression.
What does the decision mean for Moroccan football?
Oufkir’s choice strengthens the Moroccan national team with a young player who had been among the considerations of the Dutch national teams at youth levels. The decision gains additional importance because it came after a long negotiating process with the Dutch federation, reflecting increasing competition for dual-nationality talents.
For the Moroccan public, the arrival of a player active in the Dutch league represents a potential addition to the coach’s plan in the coming stages, at a time when attention is turning to how the Dutch federation will deal with repeated similar cases.
Here is a summary of the most important points from Raisiger’s remarks:
- The last meeting with the player took place in Alkmaar five days before the announcement of the choice of Morocco.
- The player affirmed his commitment to the Netherlands U21 with the possibility of joining the senior team later.
- The coach had never experienced a similar situation in his career.
You can follow the latest news on the Moroccan national team and dual-nationality player files within InfoSport’s coverage.
