Steven Bergwijn, who transferred from Ajax to Al Ittihad, has declared he no longer wishes to represent the Dutch national team under current coach Ronald Koeman. The conflict began when Koeman revealed through the media that Bergwijn’s transfer to Saudi Arabia lacked sporting ambition and that he would not call him up again. Bergwijn, who has 35 caps, expressed disappointment with Koeman’s approach, stating that the coach did not contact him personally. He criticized Koeman’s public statements, which have left him feeling disrespected.
The 26-year-old winger’s frustration stems from how he learned of Koeman’s decision. Bergwijn felt disrespected by the Dutch coach’s remarks and his failure to reach out before making his exclusion public. He responded by accusing Koeman of undermining his integrity as a national coach, suggesting that if Koeman continues to treat players in this manner, he risks losing credibility among the squad.
In an interview with De Telegraaf, Bergwijn expressed that while it had been an honor to play for his country, Koeman’s recent behavior was unacceptable. He conveyed disappointment with the lack of communication and transparency, considering Koeman’s statements too hasty and damaging. “This is not how you treat your own players,” Bergwijn said, pointing out the coach’s obligation to connect with his squad members before making definitive decisions.
Koeman’s comments regarding Bergwijn’s move to Saudi Arabia were particularly pointed, as he claimed that the transfer reflected a lack of ambition. The 26-year-old winger, who has represented the Netherlands 35 times, moved from Ajax to Al Ittihad during the summer. While Koeman hinted that playing in the Saudi Pro League could limit Bergwijn’s development and thus his potential contribution to the national team, Bergwijn strongly disagreed.
The Al Ittihad player responded by explaining his decision to move, emphasizing that ambition can be demonstrated in various leagues and settings. He feels that Koeman’s judgment of his career move was premature and dismissive of the opportunities the transfer might bring him.
A Breakdown of Trust
Bergwijn’s comments reflect a deep sense of betrayal, as he voiced concerns about the lack of respect shown by Koeman in how the situation was handled. For Bergwijn, the issue is not just about missing out on national team duty but the manner in which he was informed. The public nature of Koeman’s statements and his failure to make direct contact exacerbated the situation.
🚨🇳🇱 Koeman: “Steven Bergwijn goes to Saudi Arabia at age 26. It's clear that this has nothing to do with sportive ambition. His book with the Dutch National Team is closed."
“He probably knows what I would have said this”. pic.twitter.com/0piWULcsFK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 3, 2024
The winger suggested that such behavior from a national coach damages the morale of the players. By airing such comments publicly, without personal discussions, Bergwijn believes Koeman has lost touch with the expectations of a professional coach-player relationship. The absence of dialogue highlights a broader problem within the team, according to Bergwijn, and could create division among other players in the future.
Impact on the Dutch National Team
Bergwijn’s decision to withdraw from selection under Koeman represents a significant blow to the Dutch national team. The winger has been a key figure in the Netherlands’ recent campaigns, providing speed and versatility to their attack. His absence could leave a gap in the squad, especially as Koeman seeks to rebuild after the team’s recent struggles.
If Koeman and Bergwijn fail to reconcile, it might indicate larger issues within the national setup. The lack of communication and the resulting fallout point to potential tension between players and management. Koeman’s challenge will be to maintain the cohesion of the squad while avoiding further controversies with key players.
While Bergwijn has firmly stated he does not want to play under Koeman, the future remains uncertain. For now, the forward seems determined to stand by his decision, but as the Netherlands look toward upcoming international fixtures, Koeman may need to reassess his approach to managing player relations. Whether or not a reconciliation can occur remains to be seen, but both parties will need to act swiftly to prevent further disruption to the team’s performance.
