<
>

Bayern Munich's Medhi Benatia set to sit out Morocco friendlies

Bayern Munich defender Medhi Benatia's participation in international friendlies for Morocco will be discussed on a case-by-case basis, Bayern sporting executive Matthias Sammer has said.

Sammer said Bayern would "try to find the best solution" after German football magazine kicker reported that Benatia would no longer play for Morocco in friendlies.

Benatia, 28, has won 40 caps for Morocco and is his country's captain but will only take part in competitive international matches in future, kicker said.

The paper reported that an agreement was struck between Sammer and Morocco manager Mustafa Hadji during a recent meeting at the Bavarian club.

"The Moroccan FA and national team coach Zaki Badou have approved the new arrangement," its report added.

Sammer confirmed "good talks" had taken place and added that while "Medhi is proud to play for his country," his involvement would be more limited in future.

But he indicated that there had been no cut and dried decision, adding: "We will discuss every case individually and will try and find the best solution for Medhi."

Benatia has only played eight times for Bayern this season, but has featured in 21 of 38 Bundesliga games since his arrival at the club last summer.