Danny Blind was introduced to the Dutch media on Thursday for the first time after being named as Netherlands national team coach.
- By Michael Bell
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Blind was announced as the new Netherlands coach in July after Guus Hiddink resigned from his position, following poor results in the European Championship qualifying.
On Thursday Blind was showed off to the media alongside his new assistants Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and Marco van Basten, with the head coach giving some insights into tactics and commenting on injuries among his squad.
Netherlands face Iceland on September 3rd in a crucial qualifier, and Blind said on his squad, “There are good sounds heard when it comes to guys like Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Georginio Wijnaldum. But problem cases like Jetro Willems, Ron Vlaar and Kevin Strootman will certainly not be there in September and almost certainly not in October.”
“Also Jordy Clasie will not be there in September. There are also some small, recent problems with Stefan de Vrij, but that does not look too serious. The same goes for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. Additionally, there are still players who have yet to start. Take Wesley Sneijder, he is still to start in his competition (Turkish Super Lig). ”
On the tactics Netherlands will play, Blind said, “We are going to play 4-3-3, or rather 1-4-3-3”
On Van Persie, he added, “I talked to him the day before yesterday. Indeed, he is not one hundred percent fit, ”
“He has only played a quarter with Fenerbahce twice. The intention is that he will play tonight at least three quarters against Atromitos. This could then be followed up in the league. In recent weeks he was troubled by his thighs, which were not yet fully in force. Therefore, we must wait and see if he can go make those minutes with no problems.”
On Kevin Strootman, “I’ve called Kevin several times,”
“Most recently the day before yesterday. He remains a great option for the Oranje, he has both physicality and footballing ability.
“A lot of players in his position have only one of those qualities.
“That said, we shouldn’t make too much of a drama out of the fact he’s not available. He doesn’t have the flu, he has a serious injury.
“It hurts me to see a lad struggling with injury for 17 months at the height of his football career.
“For me, not being able to use him is annoying, but for him it’s much worse, it’s a personal drama. We need him, but we’re not going to rush his recovery.”
On the remaining four European Championship qualifiers, “We play four finals and I have to make sure we’re four times on the right side of the score.”
Blind will name his provisional squad for the ties with Iceland and Turkey, before cutting it down to the final squad next week.
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