Wessel Antes
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Memphis Depay will also start against England as a striker for the Dutch national team, according to journalists from The Telegraph after an exclusive interview with national coach Ronald Koeman. Although the thirty-year-old striker from Moordrecht is receiving heavy criticism, Koeman has no doubts about 'his striker' Memphis.
Koeman believes that Memphis can bring more than he currently does. “Memphis can do better, but that also depends on others. He is part of the team. And sometimes he is passed to in difficult situations. He wants that himself, but he can do better. Again, that also has to do with the team.”
“Everyone has their opinion and says something. But I'm the one who experiences the players every day and sees things in training that others don't see,” said Koeman, who acknowledges that Memphis has a lot of credit. “I also think he deserves it. The old Koeman wouldn't have passed Depay either. That has nothing to do with how I was ten years ago and how I am now.”
Koeman regularly sits down with Memphis. “Of course I also ask him to be a deep striker sometimes, like he was at Atlético Madrid when he played, with Griezmann at his back. He has to add that to being a striker. So not just dropping back and wanting to play along. That means that others have to go deep. I am still convinced of him as a striker. He is my striker, a footballing striker.”
“If you want to become European champions, the players who have something extra have to be there in matches like against England. For the game when you're behind, Weghorst is of course a much better striker than Depay. But against England? Depay can, Weghorst can, the combination can. I know for myself, but leave it open for you,” said Koeman.
National coaching
Koeman was also asked on Monday about his contract with the KNVB, which runs until mid-2026. “When asked whether he wants to continue after the tournament until the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Koeman responded in the affirmative,” said The Telegraphwho also quotes Koeman.
“As it is now, yes. I don't think they can get rid of me anymore,” said the selector. The KNVB could have fired Koeman if the Dutch team had ended up in the round of 16 or earlier, but the 61-year-old from Zaandam has already guided his selection to the semi-finals of the European Championship. England will be the opponent there on Wednesday evening.
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