Bergwijn Responds to Criticism from Netherlands Coach Koeman Over Saudi Arabia Move

Netherlands international Steven Bergwijn has publicly responded to national team coach Ronald Koeman after the latter suggested that Bergwijn’s recent transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad could see him excluded from future Dutch squad selections.

Bergwijn, who joined Al-Ittihad from Ajax Amsterdam in a £17.7 million deal, faced criticism from Koeman, who implied that the forward’s decision prioritized financial gain over sporting ambition. Koeman stated that this choice had cost Bergwijn a place in the Netherlands squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Bosnia and Germany.

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“The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this,” Koeman remarked earlier in the week, suggesting that at 26, Bergwijn should be focusing on his career rather than financial incentives. “When you are 26, your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make,” Koeman said in a press conference.

In a sharp rebuttal, Bergwijn expressed frustration with Koeman’s comments, calling them uncalled for and disrespectful. Speaking to Dutch daily De Telegraaf, Bergwijn said, “I’m done with someone who portrays me like that in the media. That’s not how you treat your players.”

Steven Bergwijn defends his transfer to Al-Ittihad

The forward, who has earned 35 caps for the Netherlands and previously played for Tottenham Hotspur, defended the level of competition in Saudi Arabia. “The national coach knows that the competition in Saudi Arabia is of a high level. Or are you only allowed to make such a move when you’re 32?” he asked.

Bergwijn also criticized Koeman for not communicating with him directly before making his public comments. “If he were a committed coach, he would’ve called me first. Then he could’ve heard my side. Now I had to hear it on TV. How can you say such things without speaking to me?” he added, reflecting on the positive moments they had shared in the past but expressing disappointment in Koeman’s recent behavior.

In a follow-up press conference, Koeman responded to Bergwijn’s remarks but seemed unbothered by the criticism. “I don’t want to talk about it. It doesn’t affect me at all. I was discussing sporting ambition, and I don’t think I said anything wrong,” Koeman commented.