Koeman wants talk after Van der Vaart criticism
19 February: A private talk between Ronald Koeman
and Rafaël van der Vaart is set to take
place at the Amsterdam ArenA today. The Ajax head-coach
wants a word with his captain after the latter criticized
Koeman in the Dutch press. According to Van der Vaart, Koeman
criticizes him and other young players too heavily in the
media. "Young players also need protection sometimes," Van der
Vaart said.
Van der Vaart made his remarks while preparing for
Oranje's friendly
game against the United States in an interview with
Dutch press agency ANP. Many newspaper and magazines published
the quotes of the Ajax captain, who reacted to Koeman's
observation that a midfield with Van der
Vaart and Wesley Sneijder does not seem to
work.
"That can't be just our fault," Van der Vaart said.
"We need some confidence and I don't really feel that. Young
players need some protection sometimes. That would be better
for me than this constant criticism of our play (...) During
the winter break we decided that I was going to play as the
number ten and that Wesley would play in left midfield. I
understand that it's hard with all these injuries, but we only
played at those positions against Roda."
Van der Vaart's remarks were an unpleasant surprise for
Ronald Koeman, who told the press the next day that Van der
Vaart should have told him this in person, rather than via the
media. "This is not the way. He should have kept this indoors."
The Ajax boss specifically commented on the fact that Van der
Vaart insists that he and Wesley Sneijder can be a
succesful duo in midfield. "Rafaël keeps claiming that
it's possible. Which is fine, but in that case you have to show
it."
Koeman announced that he wants to talk to Van der Vaart
about his remarks. "But I expect him to come to me for a talk,"
he said.
Van der Vaart and Sneijder played their best game
together in the Dutch national team, against Scotland (6-0).
They were determined to prove themselves in the Holland vs USA
game, but failed to do so. Sneijder was replaced at half-time,
whereas Van der Vaart was unable to make an impact. Yet, after
the game the 21 year-old Ajacied repeated his words in
newspaper Het Parool and underscored that he had no
regrets.
"As a coach you have to protect your players sometimes," he
repeated. "This squad is young. Tomás Galásek is
the oldest player, but he doesn't talk much. We are not allowed
to say stuff to the press, but in my opinion Koeman
has to protect us, too. This goes for Koeman's criticism
of me and Sneijder. But I'm sure it also goes for other
players."
Van der Vaart expects that a conversation with
Koeman will clear up the skies: "We have to talk about this as
grown-ups. But I said what I said and I have no
regrets."
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claims
that Van der Vaart deliberately seeks a confrontation with
Koeman in an attempt to force a departure. FC
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard reportedly announced a large
scale 'reorganization' of his squad and Van der Vaart is said
to be high on his wishlist for next season. Van der
Vaart dismisses the interpretation of De
Telegraaf: "Nonsense. I have not decided anything about my
future yet." (MP)
Sources: ANP, Het Parool, NOS Teletekst
UPDATE (20 February): Both Ronald Koeman and
Rafaël van der Vaart told Dutch newspaper Algemeen
Dagblad that their conversation was "pleasant" and
"very clarifying". No details were revealed, but in the words
of Koeman "it is very good to have talked about these
matters".
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