Mohamed Ihattaren has been prohibited from conducting media interviews by Fortuna Sittard manager Danny Buijs following a standout performance against ADO Den Haag. The Dutch playmaker scored twice and recorded an assist in the victory, but his manager has decided to shield him from press obligations to maintain focus on his football development.
Buijs implemented the media blackout immediately after Sunday's match-winning display, declining requests from broadcasters ESPN and NOS for post-match commentary. The manager has managed Ihattaren for fifteen months and believes strict boundaries protect the midfielder's mental space and long-term potential. "He needs to keep his world as small as possible if he still wants to achieve his dreams," Buijs explained to ESPN. "First do the things you need to do structurally, and then the other things will come into play."
Managing External Distractions
The decision reflects broader concerns about Ihattaren's relationship with media scrutiny. Buijs noted that the midfielder's candid nature has frequently drawn unwanted attention, with previous comments lingering in the press cycle and affecting his concentration on-pitch. Rather than allow headlines to distract from performance, the manager wants Ihattaren to channel energy into individual improvement and team success. "He wears his heart on his sleeve, and that can sometimes work against him," Buijs stated. "There is something about him that causes him to receive a lot of media attention. He needs to let his feet do the talking."
This tactical approach to managing a talented but sometimes volatile player is becoming more common among elite Eredivisie clubs, where protecting young talent from overexposure has proven beneficial for consistency and mental health. Buijs took personal accountability for the decision, emphasizing that shielding his midfielder remains his responsibility as head coach. With Ihattaren's media commitments now handled exclusively by club officials, Fortuna Sittard can focus on capitalizing on his current form through upcoming fixtures without external diversions.
