ZEIST, Netherlands, - Dutch coach Marco van Basten said
on Friday he will no longer consider picking Ruud van Nistelrooy
after the Real Madrid striker had basically 'resigned' from the
national squad.
Van Basten, who was naming a 20-man squad for next week's friendly
against Russia in Amsterdam, said he had no intention of picking
the player again. 'Ruud more or less resigned from the job and that
closes the case for me,' Van Basten told reporters. 'We believe it
is a shame after we had an open and honest conversation but we will
not take any further initiatives.'
Last week van Nistelrooy said he no longer wished to be considered
for the squad because he had no confidence in van Basten. He has
played 54 times for the Netherlands, scoring 28 goals. His absence,
combined with the absence of the injured Robin van Persie and Arjen
Robben has reduced van Basten's attacking opportunities.
Van Persie, sidelined for weeks with a broken metatarsal, has been
impressive in the opening four Dutch European Championship
qualifying matches with four goals. Van Basten kept Klaas Jan
Huntelaar in his squad despite his struggling form. 'Huntelaar is
going through a tough period, that's obvious' added Van Basten.
'But it is a logical development in his career, after he had a
great period after his transfer to Ajax. Now he has to get used to
the fact he gets more attention from defenders.'
Wilfred Bouma was recalled to the squad in central defence in place
of Andre Ooijer who is out with a broken leg. Goalkeepers: Edwin
van der Sar (Manchester United), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax
Amsterdam)
Defenders: Wilfred Bouma (Aston Villa), Giovanni van Bronckhorst
(Barcelona), Tim de Cler (AZ Alkmaar), Urby Emanuelson (Ajax
Amsterdam), John Heitinga (Ajax Amsterdam), Kew Jaliens (AZ
Alkmaar), Jan Kromkamp (PSV Eindhoven), Joris Mathijsen (SV
Hamburg)
Midfielders: Nigel de Jong (SV Hamburg), Denny Landzaat (Wigan
Athletic), David Mendes da Silva (AZ Alkmaar), Clarence Seedorf (AC
Milan), Wesley Sneijder (Ajax Amsterdam), Rafael van der Vaart (SV
Hamburg).
Forwards: Ryan Babel (Ajax Amsterdam), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (Ajax
Amsterdam), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink
(Celtic Glasgow)
