Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has slammed Netherlands for their performance in the 1-1 draw against Turkey on Saturday.
- By Michael Bell
- Follow Michael on Twitter
Netherlands needed a 92nd minute deflected strike to earn a 1-1 draw with Turkey in Amsterdam, leaving Guus Hiddink’s side languishing in third place in their European Championship qualifying group.
Writing in his column for De Telegraaf, Johan Cruyff laid into the Netherlands side, and Dutch football in general.
Cruyff wrote, “Netherlands were terrible against Turkey. Nobody did what they had to do,”
“The defenders were only passing the ball to the midfielders and they then passed it back to the defenders. The people with little creativity were dictating play. This is not what you want. The problems only got bigger.
“After the level of the Eredivisie and the performances of the Dutch teams in the Champions League and Europa League, it is now clear where the national team stands as well. We are suffering all over the place and I really wonder when we will finally wake up.
“The main problem in Netherlands is education, the coaches and the education of the coaches. One thing is certain and that is that things need to change. Netherlands were a disgrace against Turkey.”
Follow
Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter
Well said Johan.
Maybe its time for you to step up to the plate.
Maybe its time for KNVB to roll out the red carpet and let you do your thing.
We need you!
While I agree with JC that the team should be playing better, I do disagree to a point with his answers. If your team is filled with good defenders trying to play an open offensive game will not work. The tactics have to match the skills. Trying to make guys play a style they don’t have the abilities for will only lead to more loses.
As for Dutch football overall, we were second in 2010 and 3rd in 2014. There is nothing wrong with our talent and natioanl team, when it is properly focused and motivated. At the club level, it is all about money. Something the domestic teams don’t have.