Ronald Koeman finds it disappointing that Mohamed Ihattaren did not succeed at Ajax. The twenty-year-old top talent was given the opportunity in Amsterdam to breathe new life into his career, but the top club decided to buy the option. not to light. Ihattaren will therefore return to Italy in just over a month.
It was Koeman who convinced Ihattaren in 2019 to opt for an international career with the Dutch national team, instead of a step to the Moroccan federation. Three years later, Ihattaren has again squandered an opportunity. ,,That’s a shame, because he was a great talent”, the future national coach of Orange said in conversation with ESPN.
,,But a great talent also has to learn from his mistakes”, Koeman continued. ,,The first step must always come from the player. Apparently Ajax has such reasons not to exercise the purchase option”, said the coach, who has had no contact with the former PSV midfielder since Ihattaren’s choice for Orange. After the turn of the year, Ihattaren will return to his employer Juventus, where he still has a contract until mid-2025.
John Heitinga
The sports channel asked John Heitinga, trainer of Jong Ajax, when he last had contact with Ihattaren. ,,That was all at the beginning of the season”, reacted the ex-international before the game against Willem II in the Kitchen Champion Division. Heitinga had not previously been informed of the non-renewal of the lease. “I heard it today too. Ultimately, the management will make a decision.”
“I am especially sorry for the person and footballer Mo,” said the former defender. “Unfortunately, it did not turn out as we might have hoped. For the rest, I wish him a lot of success in his career.”
,,He has proven how much potential he has. That is why I am very sorry and I wish him every success in the future. He can play football, hopefully he will show his tricks again soon.”
More about Mohamed Ihattaren and Ajax:
• What Alfred Schreuder revealed about Mohamed Ihattaren was telling (Premium)
New chance
Ajax decided to give Ihattaren another chance in the Netherlands last January. He initially grabbed it with both hands, by scoring four times in five matches at Jong Ajax. Former coach Erik ten Hag allowed Ihattaren playing minutes in the lost cup final against PSV, after which the talent was given the opportunity to prove itself in the preparation. Criminal threats, however, kept Ihattaren sidelined for weeks.
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