Fortuna Sittard manager Danny Buijs has banned midfielder Mohamed Ihattaren from speaking to the media. The decision was implemented immediately after the match against ADO Den Haag, in which Ihattaren scored twice and provided an assist, as reported by Goal.com this week.
The club currently sits fourth in the Eredivisie with ten points from five games. They have scored eleven goals and conceded nine, resulting in a goal difference of plus two. The next challenge is a home fixture against Ajax on September 12th, a key test in the standings.
Why did Buijs make this decision?
Danny Buijs, who has now managed Ihattaren for fifteen months, took full accountability for the media blackout. He emphasized that shielding the player remains his personal responsibility as head coach. Buijs believes strict boundaries are necessary for Ihattaren to fulfill his potential. The club is prioritizing the player's long-term interests over immediate media obligations.
"He needs to keep his world as small as possible if he still wants to achieve his dreams," Buijs said. The manager stated that Ihattaren wears his heart on his sleeve, which can sometimes work against him. The aim is to keep the player focused on his on-field performances without unnecessary external distraction. Fortuna Sittard wants to maintain Ihattaren's momentum, especially looking ahead to the important upcoming fixtures.
How did the media react to the strong performance?
Right after his standout display against ADO Den Haag, which secured three vital points, there was significant media interest in Ihattaren. Major broadcasters like ESPN and NOS requested post-match interviews with the midfielder. Buijs, however, decided to deny all these requests for the foreseeable future. He said there is something about Ihattaren that causes him to receive a lot of attention, but it's now time for his feet to do the talking.
The focus is entirely on football. Fortuna Sittard, sitting five points behind leaders AZ Alkmaar, needs every player at their best. The recent form of WWLWD shows the team can be inconsistent. Ihattaren's form is therefore vital for the club's ambitions. Fans can follow his stats and those of the rest of the squad.
What does this mean for Ihattaren's future at Fortuna?
Buijs's decision is a clear signal of trust and protection. Ihattaren can now focus entirely on building on his outstanding performance. His next chance to shine is the home match against Ajax, who are sixth in the table.
Buijs has set the bar high and taken responsibility for guiding his player. It is up to Ihattaren to show he can continue to excel under these conditions. The coming weeks, with tough matches scheduled, will reveal if this approach pays off for both the player and Fortuna Sittard. The club hosts Ajax on September 12th.
