Mohamed Ihattaren delivered a masterclass against ADO Den Haag, scoring twice and setting up another goal in Fortuna Sittard's 3-2 victory. Yet the Dutch playmaker remained conspicuously absent from the post-match interview zone, sparking a heated exchange between manager Danny Buijs and NOS commentator Jeroen Grueter over player welfare and media expectations.
When Grueter questioned why Ihattaren had not appeared for cameras, Buijs responded bluntly: "That boy has had more than enough media attention in recent years, and it is good for him to focus mainly on what he is doing on the pitch now." The journalist pushed back, arguing that a performance of such magnitude—two goals and an assist—warranted an immediate player interview. "It is just football, isn't it?" Grueter countered. "If you play such a match, then of course we want to hear his story."
A Protective Strategy
Buijs remained unmoved, emphasizing that his decision prioritized Ihattaren's long-term development over broadcast schedules. "We are not thinking about your interest; we are thinking about Mo's interest," the Fortuna coach explained. "Mo has had a lot of positive and negative attention, and he has also brought some of that on himself." The manager framed media restriction as part of the midfielder's broader rehabilitation process, suggesting that structural focus on performance must precede public visibility.
The tension escalated when Grueter questioned whether Buijs was being overly cautious with an adult player capable of handling interviews. "How long have you been working with him? Who is in a better position to judge it, you or me?" Buijs replied sarcastically. He reinforced his position with finality: "We have made a choice and you have to respect and accept it."
This clash highlights the ongoing debate between coaching staff prioritizing player mental health and media demands for immediate post-match access. With Ihattaren's performances finally delivering results on the pitch, Fortuna Sittard appears determined to control his narrative carefully as the season progresses.
