Title: Dutch Football Manager Koeman Declares Non-Selection of Saudi-Based Players for National Team
Dutch national team manager Ronald Koeman has announced that footballers playing in Saudi Arabia will not be selected for the Netherlands national team. This decision was made in light of winger Steven Bergwijn’s recent transfer to Saudi club Al-Ittihad. Koeman emphasized that players should prioritize their main ambition, which is sporting, not financial, and criticized the choice as being more financially driven.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Koeman explained his stance, saying, The book is basically closed to him. He further argued that players have the freedom to make their own choices, but he would not have made the same decision himself. He cited the example of midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who played in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr during last summer’s European Championships, as a situation he found somewhat hypocritical, given that he had called up Wijnaldum for the tournament.
Koeman also announced that midfielders Marten de Roon and Wijnaldum would not be called up for the national team again under his management. This decision, he said, was communicated to them via FaceTime, and they were positive about it, understanding it as a logical choice.
In addition to these announcements, Koeman confirmed that forward Memphis Depay would not be selected if he did not have a club. However, he indicated that Depay could be considered for selection if he found a club and regained fitness.
The manager’s press conference was marked by an argument with Valentijn Driessen, a journalist for De Telegraaf, after Driessen criticized Depay, suggesting he had never delivered for the national team at major tournaments. Koeman expressed his disapproval, telling the journalist to have respect for his questions and even hurling an insult.
This decision by Koeman highlights the importance of prioritizing sporting ambitions over financial gains in professional football, especially at the national team level. It also underscores the manager’s commitment to fostering a team that aligns with his vision and values.
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