Netherlands captain Arjen Robben spoke to NOS after the 2-1 defeat to Italy about a difficult few days for the national team.
- By James Rowe
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Interestingly Robben put forward his willingness along with Wesley Sneijder to be involved and consulted by KNVB as regards to an eventual successor to Danny Blind. He states the 14 years experience they have in the national team setup.
Robben said, ”I am happy this week is now over. It’s been a really difficult time. Danny Blind said his farewells to the squad at the hotel and after that I have spoke to him. We worked together and the squad along with Danny Blind are responsible for the defeat in Bulgaria and then the KNVB took a decision internally.
”I have let the KNVB know that we would like to be involved in the process of finding a new manager. Wesley Sneijder and myself have 14 years experience in terms of being involved with the national team in which we have seen many managers and player and we are also aware of what type of a squad we have now. So, therefore we would have a good idea of who would be a good fit for the national team.
”If the KNVB do not want to involve us then that is fine. I do not plan to stop playing for the national team. At the moment I am the captain of the national team and that brings a certain responsibility with it in terms of talks with the KNVB and being the first point of contact.”
On the possibility of Louis van Gaal returning, Robben added, ”Louis van Gaal is somebody who I have a lot of respect for. But now is not the time for speculation it’s too early. The last few days have been a drama and we have to let that sink in first before we can look forward. I am fully aware that these things happen in football in terms of speculation about a successor that is normal.
”Our next game is in June, so there is enough time.”
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