Bergwijn Hits Back at Koeman: "I Don’t Even Want to Play for This Manager Anymore"
Dutch international Steven Bergwijn has responded to Ronald Koeman’s scathing criticism, saying he’s had enough of the manager’s attitude and won’t play for him again.
Koeman sparked controversy earlier this week by axing Bergwijn from the Netherlands squad, citing the 26-year-old’s decision to leave Ajax for Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad as the reason. The manager blasted Bergwijn’s move, saying it was a "financial" decision and that he wouldn’t play for the national team again while he’s in charge.
But Bergwijn has hit back, saying he’s disappointed in Koeman’s behavior and that he won’t play for someone who "portrays" him in the media without giving him a chance to respond.
"I don’t even want to play for this manager anymore," Bergwijn told De Telegraaf. "I won’t play for someone who portrays me like he has done in the media. He could have called me, heard my side of the story. How can he say such things without talking to me?"
Bergwijn also took issue with Koeman’s suggestion that he prioritized finance over sporting ambition. "It is a golden opportunity in terms of sport and finance," Bergwijn said. "With a salary that I could never have dreamed of earning as a little boy. I can assure him that the competition in Saudi Arabia is better than the one in the Netherlands."
The move to Al Ittihad has seen Bergwijn earn a significant pay rise, with reports suggesting he’ll earn around £17.7 million per year. While Koeman may see this as a financial decision, Bergwijn insists it’s a chance to develop his game and compete at a higher level.
Bergwijn’s comments have sparked a heated debate in the Netherlands, with many fans siding with the player. Koeman’s decision to axe Bergwijn has also raised questions about the manager’s handling of the situation.
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Bergwijn won’t be silenced. "I have always considered it an honour to play for the Dutch national team," he said. "But under this national coach, I no longer want to do that."
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