Koeman: The level of Saudi Arabia is low? Only those who don’t understand football say this. He left Bayern due to the team’s financial situation

. I have been a starter for a short time in the national team, but in the competition, I have always been a substitute and hope to help the team. It can be said that I am used to this role. What's even harder is going through it all in the stands, when there are 26 players on the roster, match day means someone is going to be left out. In that case, I made it clear that I would rather give my place to someone who has never experienced this. I've been to the World Cup once, three European Cups... The coach knows it all, but he also knows that he can rely on me if he needs me. Since the European Cup incident, we have communicated more.

What does this mean?

When I was young, I didn't need others to tell me too much. I'm very happy as long as I can be selected. As my experience grows, I hope that the framework will be clear before a major competition. I especially don't want to be a burden to coach. Don’t let unhappiness gain the upper hand at critical moments.

How do you evaluate your career in the national team?

I am still very happy. I've had many great moments. But I think it might be better if I was more decisive at some moments, or could be the starter in the competition. This is a small regret. Those two defeated finals, the 2016 European Cup (0-1 overtime against Portugal) and the 2022 World Cup, both left a sense of unfinished career. I'm missing only one trophy to win with the national team.

You have 59 national team appearance records, but you have never played the whole game... What does this mean?

means it may be easier to replace me (laugh). I won't cause trouble. I often sit on the bench, so I know that when you play for the last 10-15 minutes and the score is already 2-0 or 3-0, it may be better for others to give them these times. The coach knew it was never a problem to replace me. I also know that sometimes I need to manage it because with my explosive power, I have to accept that it is not always on the court to stay in the best shape.

Do you think your self-esteem is less than that of ordinary people?

I don't know. I have self-esteem and I want to be respected, but football is a collective sport. I always think about the team first. I know what kind of player I am and what I deserve, but I will never put myself above the team. I have fun in victory. If we win all 10 games in a season, I will be happy even if I do well but not highlighted; by comparison, if I scored 8 goals but only won 7 games, it would make no sense to me.

What I like is winning trophys, celebrating and parties. If you personally have an extraordinary season but end up without a trophy, you are happy, but those collective moments of celebration and sharing are the best things for me, you won’t be able to experience. As long as I manage my way of being coherent and respectful, I will be fine. If I play 100 times but never play the whole game, that's already pretty good, isn't it?

Mini-game recommendations:Fray Fight