Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman underestimates the quality of the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada said on Thursday after the Dutchman refused to select winger Steven Bergwijn because of the players move to Saudi Arabia.
Bergwijn, 27, joined Al Ittihad from Ajax Amsterdam last month and was publicly called out by Koeman who said international selection was now closed to the player.
Former Manchester City executive Calzada said the Dutch coach undervalued the Saudi top-flight, which in the last two years, helped by the countrys Public Investment Fund, has spent a huge sum of money attracting top talent from across Europe.
As someone that lives in the country, loves the country and values the quality of the product that we put out there, I didnt like those statements, Calzada told a press conference at The Summit, a gathering of top sporting executives in London.
I think this is just not fair. Its not right. And actually, if you look at the players that have come to Saudi, most of them continue to go with their national teams.
