Steven Bergwijn has hit again at Netherlands supervisor Ronald Koeman after the coach closely criticized his transfer to Saudi Arabia. Koeman made headlines earlier this week by suggesting that he wouldn’t choose the winger due to his latest switch. Bergwijn, 26, has earned 35 worldwide caps with the Netherlands.
On Monday, the attacker joined Saudi Professional League aspect Al-Ittihad from Ajax in a deal value round $23 million. Bergwijn was beforehand a typical starter for the Dutch giants final season and even captained the membership. The Dutchman racked up 12 objectives and 4 assists in 24 Eredivisie matches with Ajax through the 2023/24 season.
As a result of he acquired ample enjoying time at Ajax, Koeman felt the transfer to the Center East was solely financially motivated. Consequently, the coach excluded Bergwijn from his Netherlands squad to face Bosnia and Herzegovina and Germany this month. The veteran attacker was beforehand in Koeman’s most up-to-date preliminary roster earlier than the Al-Ittihad deal.
Dutch winger says coach by no means contacted him over scenario
Bergwijn defended his choice to affix the Saudi aspect on Friday and criticized Koeman for a scarcity of communication within the ordeal. “I don’t even wish to play underneath Koeman anymore,” Bergwijn informed Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.
“If he had been a dedicated nationwide coach, he would have referred to as me first. Now I needed to hear about it on TV. I’ve had many lovely moments with him, so that is far too straightforward and I’m disillusioned with him.”
“I’ve all the time thought of it an honor to play for Oranje. However underneath this nationwide coach, I now not wish to try this. With somebody who intentionally portrays me like that within the media, I’m finished. However who is aware of if there might be a brand new nationwide coach sooner or later.”
“I’ll by no means shut the door. And I’ll solely assist my teammates at Oranje, simply as they do with me. I’ve solely acquired good messages from the internationals after my switch. Everyone seems to be completely happy for me. That’s how it may be.”
Bergwijn performed for the Netherlands in final two main tournaments
Bergwijn has largely been a key participant for the Netherlands nationwide workforce because the fall of 2021. The attacker beforehand featured on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar underneath former supervisor Louis van Gaal. The Netherlands was overwhelmed by eventual winners Argentina within the quarterfinals. He then additionally began two matches through the latest Euro 2024 competitors as nicely. Koeman hooked Bergwijn at halftime in each of those video games.
The Dutch attacker will now play with a number of international stars at Al-Ittihad. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, Houssem Aouar, and Moussa Diaby all at present characteristic for the membership. Together with Bergwijn, the Saudi aspect introduced in each Aouar and Diaby in the newest switch window. The workforce opted to strengthen after a reasonably disappointing 2023/24 marketing campaign.
Al-Ittihad can also be managed by former France and Paris-Saint Germain supervisor Laurent Blanc. The Frenchman has guided the Saudi membership to wins in every of their first two matches of the present marketing campaign. Bergwijn’s first potential look along with his new membership may come towards Al-Wehda. The workforce is at present led by former Nigeria worldwide Odion Ighalo.
PHOTOS: IMAGO
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