Ihattaren falls out with Schmidt and teammates - Raiola: "They are lying"

Mino Raiola is angry at PSV Eindhoven and their coach Roger Schmidt. The reason? The non-selection of his client Mohamed Ihattaren and the explanation for it. The 19-year-old attacking player was not nominated for the Eredivisie top game against Ajax (1-1) and has been under fire from his head coach Schmidt as well as his teammates. 

"The club is lying and acts unprofessionally," Raiola said to the Eindhovens Dagblad on Monday and questioned whether Ihattaren would remain at the club beyond this summer. "I can't foresee the future." Whether the Eredivisie side is even interested in extending his contract that expires in 2022 is another question entirely. 

Background: PSV tried to bundle all their strength ahead of the Europa League fixture against Olympiacos when, according to a report by the Algemeen Dagblad, Ihattaren stepped out of line. The Dutch junior national team player displayed unhappiness when he found out that he was not selected to start the game. For Schmidt, it was the straw that broke the camel's back. Ihattaren was disciplined by not being selected for the Ajax fixture, a measure that the players and the club leadership fully supported. At least that was what the club communicated. 

"We all want to help him and have offered our support," Schmidt said. "But it isn't a one-way street. You can't change people; people can only change themselves." Schmidt pointed out that he has reached out several times to the player—including after private problems. But Ihattaren has completely withdrawn and has caused conflict during practice sessions, missed sponsorship appointments, and has struggled with his weight. His professional attitude, in general, has been questioned. Schmidt pointed out that he wants to see his player fight for a right to play. "Then he has a chance," Schmidt said. "Otherwise, he doesn't." 

Ihattaren's agent Raiola fires against PSV: "Proven lies" 

Raiola has fired back at PSV comments ahead of the game against Ajax. "Everyone working for the club, the players, and the management have done everything to support Ihattaren and make him a valuable part of PSV. That chance was passed up. PSV have, therefore, decided that the 19-year-old midfielder will not be part of the first team." 

"That isn't correct, isn't it?" Raiola said. "That is a proven lie because the players, for example, didn't support that decision. PSV made that decision. They even asked for a collective statement, which was turned down." It is statement against statement. All of this makes it difficult to imagine that the player and the club can continue to work together in the future without further conflict.