Netherlands coach and national hero Danny Blind has explained why he’s overlooked Robin van Persie for a comeback to the international scene.
The Fenerbahce hitman—who moved to Turkey in the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester United by Louis van Gaal—has not made the cut for Holland’s upcoming friendlies.
The Dutch failed to qualify for Euro 2016, and coach Blind has duly rang the changes as he looks to instigate a new era for the national side.
The coach has included new faces such as Vincent Janssen of AZ Alkmaar, but stalwarts such as van Persie and Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben are absent.
Explaining his decision, Blind aimed a dig at the striker, insisting that he hadn’t done enough to merit a call.
“He’s fitter than in October,” Blind began, speaking during a press conference in Zeist on Friday, “but he should be doing better.
“I watch all of his matches, and he’s playing more minutes, but he’s having a difficult year.”
SEE ALSO:
Video: Heartthrob Ashton Kutcher visits River Plate; Noel Gallagher spotted at home of fierce city rivals
BBC journalist reports on fan violence at Manchester United vs. Liverpool
Photo: When Noel Gallagher met Carlos Tevez
The 32-year-old, who has 50 international goals in 101 outings for the national side, is enduring a testing spell in the Super Lig.
To date, he has made 24 showings for Fener—of which 11 have been off the bench—scoring 10 goals.