'Like playing the Euros in Africa!' - Sergino Dest shockingly claims United States hosting 2024 Copa America 'doesn't make sense' as he launches scathing attack on tournament organisers

The Netherlands-born defender, who is now fully committed to a different international cause, will be hoping to form part of the squad that Gregg Berhalter sends into continental battle this summer. Dest would, however, prefer to be taking on that challenge in South America, with questions asked of some big “business” calls that have ultimately delivered a showpiece event to the States.

Dest has told The Athletic: “The Copa can have a great effect and we will also see where we stand, but even that is (four) months from now. In that time, a lot can still happen. The warm-up game against Colombia will be amazing. A great opponent we can test ourselves against. I would love to have had it (Copa America) in South America. The future is the most important in my opinion, over money and everything, so I’m kind of disappointed in some ways that it’s not in one of those nations. That’s where it started and where it should be. It’s like you’re playing the Euros in Africa. It doesn’t make sense to me. But nowadays everything is about the money. I’d love to have seen it in Brazil or Colombia and seen that passion for football. It should be a culture thing; for the fans it is, but for others it’s business, unfortunately.”

Prior to heading off with the USMNT, Dest has major honours at club level to chase down. He is currently taking in a loan spell at PSV and has helped them to the top of the Eredivisie table in an undefeated domestic campaign. He added on potentially emulating Ajax’s ‘Invincibles’ from 1994-95: “We can’t enjoy it fully yet. We have to concentrate. We’re confident we’re going to be champions but… there is still a lot that can change. We want to break records and if you want to do that you have to stay focused.”

Dest is fully focused on the present, at 23 years of age, but is already in a position where he can rule out a move into management once his playing career comes to a close. He said of long-term future plans: “I don’t think I’ll ever want to be a coach. Maybe I would like to be one of the assistants. Perhaps the technical skills coach or whatever. I’d maybe consider that one day, but as for head coach? No, I don’t think so. I like to be a little bit in the background, not talking all the time and explaining myself.”

Dest is expected to complete a permanent transfer away from La Liga giants Barcelona this summer, with PSV boasting a purchase option, and will hope to have club matters sorted out long before he links up with the USMNT for a Copa America quest that still excites him despite personal hosting complaints.