Joey Veerman Delivers Bizarre Dig at National Coach Ronald Koeman Just Before Oranje's First World Cup Match

The relationship between Koeman and Veerman (27) has been strained, a fact painfully evident in the lead-up to the World Cup. The PSV midfielder wasn't even included in the preliminary 55-player squad for the tournament, despite an impressive season where he tallied 8 goals and 15 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. According to the national coach, the reason was Veerman's supposed lack of the right character.

Veerman reacted with indignation, stating he was fed up with the national coach's public criticism. It seems clear that as long as Koeman is in charge of Oranje, Veerman will not be called up. Therefore, the full-page advertisement Veerman placed in De Telegraaf on Saturday, June 13th, cannot be seen as a mere commercial. Especially given the ad's striking design.

For clothing brand G-Star, he's pictured by the water with an orange ball between his legs, emblazoned with 'Holland,' a clear nod to the ongoing World Cup where the Dutch national team is currently competing. The slogan, running across his body, is an even more pointed jab: 'Denim with true character.' This translates to 'denim with real character,' directly referencing Koeman's hurtful remarks.

Given that no newspaper is published on Sunday, June 14th, the day of the Netherlands vs. Japan World Cup match in the United States, the timing of the advertisement cannot be considered coincidental. To further stir the pot and make a remarkable statement, Veerman, according to the newspaper involved, is 'putting Koeman on edge.'