Julian Nagelsmann expresses understanding for both sides in the Steven Bergwijn affair. In principle, he sees nothing against Saudi footballers in the DFB team.
Julian Nagelsmann would also call up a player who plays in the league in Saudi Arabia. Federico Gambarini/dpa – dpa
The most important things in brief
- Is there still room for professionals from the Saudi League in the top national teams?
- The expulsion of Steven Bergwijn from the Dutch national team has divided opinions.
- DFB coach Julian Nagelsmann is diplomatic.
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National coach Julian Nagelsmann would also call up a player from the Saudi league to the German national team if he performs well. The DFB coach said this before Germany’s match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam today.
“That’s not an easy question. In general, I can understand if the coach wants to check the performance. Currently, the league in Saudi Arabia is 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 Julian Nagelsmann.
Julian Nagelsmann understands Ronald Koeman’s position. – keystone
National coach Ronald Koeman had decided not to hire Steven Bergwijn after his move from Ajax Amsterdam to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. He had accused the 26-year-old of being greedy for money and neglecting sporting aspects. Bergwijn then declared his career in the eleven to be over as long as Koeman was in office.
Julian Nagelsmann wants to “give all leagues a chance”
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 a drive. They play at the limit and maintain their level, why not,” said Nagelsmann.
Is Steven Bergwijn’s expulsion from the Elftal justified after his move to Saudi Arabia?
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.
Cristiano Ronaldo plays in Saudi Arabia, but remains part of Portugal’s national team. – keystone
Moral arguments about the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia 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.
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More on the topic:
Cristiano RonaldoAjax AmsterdamRonald KoemanBundesligaCoachKickerDFBJulian NagelsmannLiga
