Bergwijn Criticizes Koeman Over National Team Exclusion

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has excluded Steven Bergwijn from the national team following the forward's transfer to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittihad, citing a lack of sporting ambition. Bergwijn, who has been capped 35 times, criticized Koeman for not discussing the decision with him personally and for publicly questioning his motives. The 26-year-old stated he no longer wishes to play under Koeman, feeling disrespected by the coach's media comments. Bergwijn defended his move, emphasizing the quality of Al-Ittihad's squad, which includes prominent players like Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante. This discord comes amid rumors that another Dutch forward, Memphis Depay, is close to moving to Brazil's Corinthians. Koeman's public dissatisfaction with player transfers to less competitive leagues is not new, having previously criticized Ajax striker Brian Brobbey's technical abilities.