A Direct Request to Step Aside
Kervin Arriaga has asked not to be called up for the upcoming Honduras national team fixtures, head coach José Francisco Molina revealed on October 23, 2026. The 28-year-old Puerto Cortés native’s decision arrived as a surprise during an ongoing eight-month rebuilding phase under the new sporting structure headed by sporting director Francis Hernández and the Valencian coach, whose project has involved four weeks actually spent working on the pitch.
Molina confirmed the decision during an interview with Deportes TVC, explaining that Arriaga approached him directly to request a temporary break from the squad.
“I have nothing to say about Kervin Arriaga, more than the fact that I had a conversation with him, and he explained some problems, some things he had that did not allow him to be at one hundred percent,” Molina said.
Defending Transparency Amid the Absence
The 56-year-old Spanish coach defended the player’s transparency, noting that Arriaga recognized he could not offer the standard of performance expected by the country. Molina added that the midfielder requested time to resolve his current situation before any future return is evaluated.
While Molina maintained that the dialogue centered entirely on personal matters, Diario Diez reported that the 28-year-old Puerto Cortés native is also dissatisfied with the environment surrounding the squad. The reports point to frustrations over tactical choices during the CONCACAF Nations League, including his substitute status in certain matches, alongside intense scrutiny from fans and sports media following poor team results.
Further reporting indicated that locker room tensions during the recent Nations League failure included discontent over the starting status of newer players such as Cleber Portillo and questioning of his merits, alongside reported friction with defensive teammate Deybi Flores stretching back to the tenure of former coach Reinaldo Rueda.
Molina Denies Friction Among Teammates and Staff
Despite the unfolding controversy, Molina emphasized that the disagreement does not involve coaching staff, federation officials, or teammates.
Speaking to Diario El Heraldo, the coach described the situation with absolute respect. “Kervin is a great player, an important player, but if he does not feel he is well enough to come and help us, then the best thing is that he does not come and that another teammate has the opportunity,” Molina stated.
Addressing players who decide to decline national team call-ups, Molina confessed to Deportes TVC, “Me da pena, porque creo que el jugador debería de querer jugar en la selección de su país y tener el ánimo y las ganas de representar a la selección de su país.” The coach added that he would love for every capable Honduran player to be delighted to participate, noting that depth provides greater strength to the country.
Focusing on Club Duties and Contingency Plans
Arriaga intends to continue his club commitments with AEK Athens in the Greek Super League and UEFA Champions League. He recently logged over 80 minutes in a Champions League defeat against Manchester City and is expected to feature in domestic competition as AEK prepares to face Panetolikos. He has totaled seven appearances and one assist since arriving at the Greek club during the previous summer transfer window.
Unanswered Questions for March
The national team manager avoided speculating on whether the midfielder might return for the World Cup qualification playoffs in March, stating that preparations remain strictly focused on the November fixture list.
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