A disagreement over Guus Til's initial omission from the Netherlands squad has taken another turn after head coach Xavi Hernández responded to criticism from PSV manager Peter Bosz.
Til was surprisingly left out of Xavi's first Netherlands squad despite having been part of the country's World Cup group. The decision itself raised eyebrows, but Bosz's main frustration was with the way the midfielder was informed. According to the PSV boss, Til was not contacted personally and instead learned about his omission through the media.
"For him personally, that is extremely disappointing. He didn't even get a call," Bosz said last Friday. "That is quite unusual, because he was there at the World Cup. Guus had to find out via the media that he wasn't in the squad."
The situation did not last long, however. A few days later, Til was brought back into the Netherlands squad after injuries ruled out Justin Kluivert and former PSV forward Donyell Malen.
Malen was replaced by AZ striker Mexx Meerdink, while Til was added to Xavi's squad, giving the PSV midfielder another opportunity to remain involved with the national team.
Speaking to reporters at the Netherlands' training camp in Zeist on Monday, Xavi was asked directly about Bosz's comments and the criticism surrounding the communication with Til.
The Spain international made it clear that he respects the opinions of fellow coaches and members of the media, while also pointing out that disagreements over squad selections are inevitable when it comes to international football.
"I respect all opinions. Journalists and coaches will always miss players," Xavi said, as quoted by PSV Inside. "But we all want what is best for the national team. Til is in any case there now."
Bosz's criticism, however, was not necessarily focused on Til being left out of the squad itself. His main concern was the lack of direct communication with the player before the decision became public.
The PSV manager found it difficult to understand why a player who had been part of the Netherlands' World Cup squad was not contacted personally before discovering that he had been left out.
For Til, the situation has ultimately ended on a positive note. His late call-up means he remains part of Xavi's plans for the current international period, following an encouraging start to the season with PSV.
The midfielder has continued to play an important role for the Eindhoven club and has been used in several attacking positions, strengthening his case for another opportunity at international level.
The episode has nevertheless exposed a difference in expectations between Bosz and the Netherlands setup when it comes to communication with players who miss out on international selection.
While Xavi has defended the reality of making difficult squad decisions, Bosz's comments have highlighted the importance some club coaches place on ensuring that players are informed directly and respectfully.
For now, the controversy has a relatively straightforward outcome for Til. After initially being left out, the PSV midfielder is back with the Netherlands squad and remains involved in Xavi's plans as the national team prepares for its upcoming fixtures.