Insider’s view: Fear!!

People keep wondering… Why does Sneijder play so well for Ajax and not for Oranje. Why can Vaart lead HSV and play poorly for Oranje. Robben makes a difference (again) for Chelsea but what does he bring to the table in Oranje? Hunter scores prolifically for Ajax, why not for Oranje?

Etc etc etc

Is it because of the system? Is it because Oranje is harder?

No, says an insider who wants to remain anonymous… My guess is as good as yours… Jack van Gelder? Hugo Borst? Louis van Gaal? We won’t find out, I suppose…

This insider says:

“The level is not higher at Oranje. Not in the EC qualifications. Kuyt plays tougher opponents with Liverpool in England and Europe. So does Gio, Wesley, Rafael, etc. True, at the highest level (WC, EC) it is tougher. The only thing that’s harder against the smaller countries is the lack of space. But our chaps should be able to handle that. Saying Oranje is harder than Ajax, Barca, Liverpool or HSV is just finding excuses.

The real problem is the way Marco uses his personell. Players want security. Their confidence and ego need faith. Loyalty. Rafael knows he’ll always play for HSV when he’s fit. Even if he plays one or two lacklustre games. Same with Bommel, Sneijder, Seedorf, you name ‘m. Doesn’t matter how old or experienced a player is. Knowing you can lose your spot if you played one lesser game is killing. Look at Rafael. Now Afellay did well on his position, so he’ll be worried about his spot. That puts too much tension on him, mentally and physically. People tend to forget that. Van Basten was never a question mark when he played. Well, bar that one season at Ajax when he was very young and too cocky. Cruyff benched him once. Other than that, he always played. Now, he sort of mentally terrorizes the players by showing them – not telling them – that one mediocre performance means you’re out.

Look at Huntelaar… Do you think he was too tired to play Slovenia? Bullshit. He didn’t score against Rumania and now Kuyt get’s a go. That’s killing.
And they all feel it. The way Van Bommel and Van Nistelrooy have been treated was a very very bad influencing act by Van Basten. In the back of their minds, all players feel the ax is hanging over their heads…

Marco should make a core of players important by telling them: you are my guys. If you’re injured, lacking form, or anything structurally happens, I will replace you. Other than that, you are my guys. I need you to do the job for me on the pitch. Come rain or shine. That is what great managers do. He doesn’t need to teach them to play football. He needs to get them 100% fit for the match. Physically, tactically and in particular…mentally!

The players out there play with fear. That is what is holding them back.”

Marco, are you out there? Do you read our blog?