Playing for Dutch Team Has Been Privilege, Can't Continue Under Coach, Koeman -Bergwijn

Steven Bergwijn has expressed his frustration towards Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman for effectively ending his international career following his transfer to Saudi Arabia.

The 26-year-old forward faced criticism from Koeman, who claimed that Bergwijn demonstrated a lack of “sporting ambition” after his move from Ajax to Al-Ittihad on Monday, resulting in his exclusion from future selections.

Bergwijn, who has been a member of the Dutch national team since 2018 and participated in the recent European Championship, was hurt by Koeman’s remarks, which he saw during a news conference on Tuesday.

“You don’t treat players in that manner,” he stated in an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. “Playing for the Dutch team has always been a privilege for me, but under this coach, I no longer wish to continue.”

He added that he is finished with someone who intentionally misrepresents him in the media.

Bergwijn expressed his disappointment in Koeman for not reaching out to him prior to making such comments and stated that he does not wish to play under him any longer.

Koeman had previously chosen Bergwijn to start in the last 16 and quarterfinals of Euro 2024, and the former Tottenham player also started against Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinals in 2022, under the guidance of veteran coach Louis van Gaal.

The Netherlands is set to compete in Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday and Germany on Tuesday.