National coach Julian Nagelsmann would also call up a player who plays in the Saudi Arabian football league to the national team if he performs well. “That’s not an easy question. In general, I can understand if the coach wants to check the performance, but the league in Saudi Arabia is currently not at the level that most leagues in Europe are. So you have to see whether the player can maintain the level to play for his country,” said Nagelsmann before the match against the Netherlands today (8.45 p.m./RTL) in Amsterdam.
National coach Ronald Koeman had decided not to hire Steven Bergwijn after his move from Ajax Amsterdam to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, accusing the 26-year-old of being greedy for money and neglecting sporting aspects. Bergwijn then declared his career in the eleven to be over for as long as Koeman was in office.
Also understanding for the national coach
Nagelsmann also expressed understanding for Koeman, but kept all options open for such a case. “I wouldn’t categorically rule it out, but I also understand my colleague if he does that,” said the 37-year-old. “There are also players who have such drive and play to the limit and maintain their level, why not,” said the national coach.
Currently, no potential German national player is playing in Saudi Arabia. “In the end, if you look at it purely from a sporting perspective, you have to give all leagues a chance,” said Nagelsmann. The Bundesliga was also not a top league when it was founded in 1963.
Moral arguments about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia – the designated host of the 2034 World Cup – played no role in the debate about Bergwijn. Numerous professionals have moved from Europe to the Gulf kingdom in recent years, sometimes for horrendous salaries. The most prominent is superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to play for Portugal’s national team.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:240910-930-228031/1
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