National coach Ronald Koeman responded today at the press conference to the fuss surrounding his statements towards Ajax striker Brian Brobbey last week. “I should have protected him more,” said Koeman.
Koeman had said in a broadcast of Rondo on November 6 Ziggo Sports criticized Brobbey’s qualities and especially his way of finishing. The Zaandam-born national coach announced today that he had spoken to the Ajax striker about the incident. “It’s surprising that it has become such an item. I should have protected him more. I am a bad politician. I am too honest and I should have defended him more.”
“I had also spoken to Brobbey earlier. Then we talked about his hiring and finishing,” Koeman continues on the matter. “But I also see that he is consciously working on improving. In today’s society you have to be more conscious about what you say and what you don’t say. I do think that these kinds of things should be possible, but not everyone has the same opinion about it. ”
The Netherlands will play against Ireland in the Johan Cruijff Arena on Saturday (8:45 p.m.). On Tuesday, the Dutch team will then play in and against Gibraltar. The Netherlands needs a victory to qualify for the European Championships next summer.