In exclusive interviews with Football-Oranje, Dutch internationals Bruno Martins Indi and Erik Pieters revealed they have not heard from Ronald Koeman since he took over as Netherlands boss at the start of the year.
- by Michael Statham
- Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
Former Feyenoord defender, Martins Indi, has 34 caps to his name but has not been called up to the Netherlands squad since September 2017 and has not played for his country since April 2017’s 5-0 win over Ivory Coast. However, the centre-back was an important part of the Dutch defence during the 2014 World Cup. Meanwhile, ex-PSV left-back Pieters was last called up to add to his 18 Netherlands caps back in 2015.
The pair were relegated with English side Stoke City from the Premier League last season, but have been regular starters in the Championship.
“I’ve been in the World Cup – I’ve seen everything now – but it’s going to be difficult to go to the national team if you play in the Championship,” admitted Martins Indi, “That’s the reality; I need to accept that.”
When asked whether or not he has had any contact with Koeman in the last year, the 26-year-old swiftly responded, “No. No contact.”
Pieters stated, “I always give 100% and I’m there if the manager calls me,” but also told Football-Oranje that he has not spoken with Koeman regarding a call-up.
Do you think Pieters and Martins Indi deserve another chance? You can watch their interviews in full by clicking here for Bruno Martins Indi or here for Erik Pieters. You can also press play on the videos linked below for you:
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Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
I doubt we’ll see either in the national team again, at least not soon.
Pieters is not a bad player, there are multiple other options at LB that are younger and quicker (Blind excepted in the latter category :)). Given he’s already 30, I don’t really see a way back in for Pieters.
BMI seems to have his head on straight based on your interview, but the Dutch have at least 4-5 CBs playing at a much higher level than he is. Even if Stoke were promoted, hard to see how he would make the cut given where those other 4-5 CBs play.