Bergwijn hit back at the Netherlands coach's criticism after his move to Al-Ittihad
Steven Bergwijn hit back at Ronald Koeman after the coach sharply excluded him from the Netherlands squad. Koeman criticized the player for his move to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad.
Details: Ronald Koeman announced the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, and forward Steven Bergwijn, who played in the recent Euro 2024, was notably absent. Koeman stated that the 26-year-old forward’s international career was over following his move from Ajax to Saudi club Al-Ittihad this summer.
In an interview with De Telegraaf, the former Tottenham, Ajax, and PSV player sharply responded to Koeman's criticism. Bergwijn said he no longer wants to play under this coach and believes Koeman should have contacted him directly to hear his side of the story.
Quote: “I don’t want to play under this coach anymore. He could have called me to hear my version of the story. How can he say such things without speaking to me? I always considered it an honor to play for the Netherlands. But under this coach, I no longer want to do so,” Bergwijn concluded.
Recall: In early September, 26-year-old Steven Bergwijn moved from Ajax, where he spent two seasons, to Al-Ittihad for €21 million.
Alex Olise
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors