Title: Steven Bergwijn Criticizes Ronald Koeman Over National Team Exclusion After Saudi Move
Amsterdam, Netherlands – In a recent interview with De Telegraaf, Dutch footballer Steven Bergwijn has openly criticized national team coach Ronald Koeman for excluding him from the squad following his transfer from Ajax to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. Bergwijn expressed his frustration at learning about the exclusion through television and at the negative portrayal of him in the media.
During a Nations League press conference on Tuesday, Koeman had criticized Bergwijn’s decision to move to a league with a lower sporting reputation. The coach questioned the striker’s ambition, suggesting that the move did not demonstrate a strong commitment to sports.
Reacting to Koeman’s comments, Bergwijn said, That is not how you treat players. I have always considered it an honor to play for the Dutch national team, but I no longer want to do that under this coach. I am done with someone who deliberately portrays me like that in the media.
The 26-year-old striker pointed out that Koeman had included Georginio Wijnaldum, who plays for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, in the European Championship selection. Bergwijn questioned the double standard, asking why he was not allowed to make the same move as Wijnaldum.
I have experienced many beautiful moments with the national coach, and I am disappointed with him. That is not how you treat your own players. If he continues like this, he will lose his credibility, Bergwijn added.
He also highlighted the quality of the Saudi Arabian league, noting that Al-Ittihad had defeated Internazionale in a recent match. Bergwijn cited examples of top players like Kanté and Aymeric Laporte who have excelled in the league and questioned Koeman’s perspective on the competition’s level.
Bergwijn remains confident in his decision to join Al-Ittihad, stating, I am improving in every way, and I am a thousand percent behind my choice. I can assure him that the competition there is better than in the Netherlands.
The conflict between Bergwijn and Koeman adds another layer to the ongoing discussions about player transfers and the criteria for selection to the Dutch national team.
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