“Only because things went so well at Newcastle in recent weeks, of course I hoped for it. Unfortunately. Hopefully there will be new opportunities under the new national coach.”
Sven Botman insists he will not dwell on Louis van Gaal’s decision not to call him up to the Netherlands squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
What’s the latest Newcastle United news?
As part of the Premier League’s meanest defence, Botman could surely be considered as a contender for the Dutch squad heading to Qatar and was included in his country’s 55-man provisional list.
Still, having never played for the Oranje at senior level, van Gaal instead selected the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Jurrien Timber, Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij and Nathan Ake for the tournament. As good as Botman has been on Tyneside, it’s not as if the Netherlands are short on quality in central defensive areas.
Is there a problem between Botman and the Netherlands?
While it’s unclear as to whether or not an incident in September had any material impact on Botman’s standing in van Gaal’s thoughts (it could well be the case the former Manchester United boss simply has so many options), there had been a potential flashpoint in the build-up.
According to The Athletic, the 22-year-old rejected the chance to represent his country at U21 level a couple of months ago in order to focus on Newcastle.
Either way, Ronald Koeman will take over from van Gaal after the Dutch campaign in Qatar and will perhaps represent something of a clean slate.
What has Botman said about van Gaal?
Speaking to Voetbal International (via The Chronicle), Botman said: “I had not counted on it happening, because I have not been called up before under this national coach and have yet to make my debut for the Dutch national team.
