Netherlands against Germany – Despite sporting success: Background noise accompanies «Oranje» – Sport

On Tuesday, the Netherlands vs. Germany duel will take place in the Nations League. For the “Oranje”, off-field issues dominate.

The mood in the “Oranje” camp could actually be great. At the European Football Championship in Germany, the “Elftal” made it to the semi-finals, and the Nations League got off to a good start with a refreshing 5:2 win against Bosnia-Herzegovina. And yet in the Netherlands, things are once again more about things off the pitch than about good performances.

Weghorst causes trouble in training

It’s mainly about players who aren’t there – or, like Wout Weghorst, are just substitutes. Weghorst caused a stir in training the day after the win against Bosnia-Herzegovina. After he was hit on the foot by Jurriën Timber, he argued for minutes with his teammate and also with national coach Ronald Koeman.

“It’s enough now,” Koeman admonished the argumentative Weghorst. After the training session ended, Weghorst was the first to ride his bike back to the hotel, still visibly annoyed. One thing is clear: he will only be a substitute against Germany.

I just bite my lip. When I see how everyone reacts when I say something about Bergwijn, I think that maybe I need to be a little more careful now and then.

Brian Brobbey will replace Joshua Zirkzee in the centre of the attack on Tuesday, as Koeman has already revealed. Otherwise, the 61-year-old coach has been reticent to comment, having caused controversy in the run-up to the international double-header with his clear opinion on Steven Bergwijn, who he had dropped.

Koeman had criticised the 26-year-old’s move to Saudi Arabia and ruled out future nominations. Bergwijn hit back publicly and announced that he no longer wanted to play for the “Oranje” as long as Koeman was national coach.

Depay without a club – and now in Brazil

When Koeman was asked about striker Memphis Depay’s upcoming move to Brazil, he refrained from commenting. “I won’t burn my fingers again before the whole country comes after me again,” said Koeman. Depay was without a club after leaving Atletico Madrid and has now agreed with Corinthians to move to Sao Paulo.

Lack of match practice: Depay not in the squad

Due to his lack of match practice, he only sat in the stands during the international match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Eindhoven. He is also not in the squad against Germany. Regarding the reports about the 30-year-old’s future, Koeman simply said: “I’m just biting my lip. When I see how everyone reacts when I say something about Bergwijn, I think that maybe I have to be a bit more careful now and then.”