A few days after announcing her international retirement, Mehdi Benatia came out of her silence and made statements that should create a stir.
In an interview with BeIn Sports, the defender said that the national team has no players able to win the African Cup. "Did we have the squad to win the CAN? Me, honestly, I do not think so. We had, of course, the strength to beat Benin. That's frustrating. It's about going out against a team that's really not stronger than us. For me it was a lot of sadness. You win competitions with great players, "said Bentia.
He also returned to the coronation of Algeria, saying the Fennec have not made a great CAN in terms of play but have accomplished their mission. "I am told about Riadh Mahrez. This player was decisive when his team needed him, "he added.
Recall that Mehdi Benatia announced to have decided to put an end to his international career. The former Lions captain explained the reasons for his decision, despite the new coach's willingness to keep him among his squad. El Capitano seems convinced of not being able to bring more to the selection.
"After the CAN, I wanted to think a little about my situation, especially since I had a knee injury for almost a month. That's why I did not take part in the first meeting of coach Vahid Halilhodzic with the team, "he said.
He added: "I spoke with the coach and told him I was going to end my international career. It was not an easy decision, but it was what I felt during the last CAN ", stressing having been deeply affected after the elimination of Morocco against Benin. "I did not want to finish this way," he said.
"I first listened to the coach. He told me that he was still counting on me, but I explained to him that I could not continue in this way (…), "he said.
"Despite all these sacrifices, some people come to bring accusations against you, like" Benatia chooses the composition of the team (…) ". It's very tiring to play under this pressure for twelve years, "he said.
N. M.
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