Van Basten: I want fit players only!

On the road to the WC2006, Oranje had a lot of insecurities about the fitness of keyplayers. That is a scenario Van Basten doesn’t want again. “In principle, every one needs to be fit enough to start in the first match. But, when someone like Van Persie is a question mark, you will probably say..hmm…let’s play him in the second match then…”

The EC preparation has started. With one player training separately from the group. Is Van Basten worried about Robin van Persie?

“No not worried. We’d loved to have him with the group, but at Arsenal it happened a couple of times that he started the intensive training too early and then had a remission. We want him to become top fit. This is day one and he has also worked hard in the last months. We think this is the way to go with Robin.”

Last tournament, starter Rafael van der Vaart struggled with his fitness. How will you approach that issue this time around?

“You want fit players. It’s easier to work with and the fitness of players throughout the season is a factor in the selection process. But, you never know. I know from personal experience. But some key players need a different treatment than others. Ruud van Nistelrooy? Oh, he’s ready and fit. When he gets here, he can slide in without a problem.”

How serious is the Boulahrouz story?

“We wanted to test him, because we have some risks on the right full back and right center back positions. Melchiot has a slight injury still and Ooijer has some trouble with his calf. They seem to do fine, but both miss some match fitness. We want to see what we can do if one of them, or both, can’t recover in time. Boulah appears to be in great condition.”

“We wanted to play the three friendlies with the starting team for the EC. We have the team in our heads for 90%. But since some players are here later and some others have little pains here and there, we will have to face the facts. If we can play with our chosen line up against Wales, the third friendly, than so be it.”

In 2006 you wanted to double all positions. It seems you’re deviating a bit?

“Only a bit. Whether you have 7 or 8 defenders is not such a bit diffeence, if it means you can bring another creative player along.”

Did Seedorf save you from having to make tough decisions?

“I’ve said what I had to say on Seedorf. I won’t go further. Everything I say now will lead to reactions again and it’s not relevant anymore. We need to focus on the players we do have and the EC.”

How will you take care of Ajax?

“I try not to. I’m working for the KNVB. We have a good staff at Ajax now and Danny Blind is taking care of things for me.”

The gathering of the players in Noordwijk was one big media circus. The players tripped over the camera cables and were blinded by the flashlights. “So this is what it looks like when the big boys come together,” quipped Twente goalie Boschker.

Raf van der Vaart kissed his dad Ramon goodbye. The media were disappointed that Silvie Meys didn’t bring her hubby to Noordwijk. Van der Vaart: “Hmmm, it seems to me the EC has really started.”

Khalid Boulahrouz seemed happy to be back in the limelight: “I am allowed to prove my fitness. I feel very good. Van Basten knows what I can do, although I haven’t been part of Oranje for some time. I am going to train my butt off to show him I’m ready!”