National coach Koeman about injuries and full playing calendar: ‘Call a stop’

Of course, the Dutch national team’s press conference on Monday in the run-up to the Nations League matches against Hungary and Germany was dominated by the sudden death of one of the Netherlands’ greatest football players: Johan Neeskens.

The press moment was almost an ode to the midfielder who caused a sensation at Ajax, FC Barcelona and the Dutch team with his rock-hard shot and incredible running ability. “It is good to take a moment to think about this,” said national coach Ronald Koeman, visibly moved. “But no matter how harsh it sounds, it does go further.”

And yes, the Dutch team is struggling with injuries, partly due to the overcrowded playing calendar that is constantly expanding in football. Quite a few players are absent due to various injuries, including Jurriën Timber, Nathan Aké and Jan Paul van Hecke. This afternoon, Teun Koopmeiners from Juventus joined that list. PSV player Guus Til is his replacement.

It is complicated to put together a selection these days, Koeman said. “It is the first time in my period as national coach that I still had players on the phone even at 10.30 in the morning on Friday and had to make choices in order to select 23 players. We had 26 on the list for the pre-selection , and 6 of them are already injured. We just have to get used to that.”

PSV midfielder Jerdy Schouten told Koeman to “get through it”. “Because of the European Championship, fatherhood and the many matches he has played, Jerdy indicated that he is not fit and not fresh.” Koeman said he fully understands his cancellation. “I know him well. If you are unable to come, you should be able to let us know.”

Frenkie de Jong is also still absent. The Barcelona midfielder is on his way back. Last night he came on ten minutes before the end against Osasuna, but the Dutch team arrived too early.

“I spoke to Frenkie on the phone last week. He is now, with all due respect, still too far away. He played for a while. He thought that was very exciting and tough. Frenkie still has to get into rhythm and become 100 percent fit.”

Koeman also decided not to call up Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst. They also need to play more and become fitter.

Whether the Dutch team now lacks a plan B due to Weghorst’s absence in the event of a possible deficit against Hungary or Germany? “No, there is a plan B. I saw the players come in today. We have enough length in the team.”

Koeman is strongly opposed to the overcrowded football calendar. The trainer mentions the extra matches in the Champions League and the World Cup for club teams. “Yes, sorry, that really needs to be stopped.”

He was “pleasantly surprised” that Manchester City’s Rodri was considering a strike due to the ever-increasing number of matches. “Maybe we should put our heads together and no longer accept this. That can only be done by working together.”