'Book closed' on Bergwijn after Saudi move - Koeman
Briefly

Ronald Koeman expressed his opinion about player transfers affecting national team selections, focusing on Steve Bergwijn's move to the Saudi Pro-League. He stated, "The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this. When you are 26, your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make." This statement underscores the tension between financial decisions and athletic integrity in football.
Koeman further elaborated on the importance of club commitments for national team selections, mentioning Memphis Depay. He remarked, "It's primarily because he doesn't have a club. That means you don't play football and you can't be with the national team. Memphis is 30, let's hope he gets a club and gets fit. Then he is still an option for me." This reflects the significance of active play for national representation.
On player commitment, Koeman shared insights on Virgil van Dijk's future with the national team, saying, "I thought it was so important to go to him to see and feel with him. Are you going to give it your all for another two years at the highest level and do you still see a future for yourself? And he does. And I do the same with him. All doubt is gone, he just goes on." This highlights the importance of player engagement and outlook in team dynamics.
Discussing future selections, Koeman indicated that some players, such as Marten de Roon and Georginio Wijnaldum, might not be considered again, as he stated, "It's unlikely they're selected in the future." This reflects a strategic approach to player selection based on current performance and league engagements.
Read at www.bbc.com
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