Netherlands vs Belarus - Blind: Holland can cope without Robben
Posted Thursday, October 06, 2016 by PA
Holland manager Danny Blind believes his side have the ability to cope without Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben when they look to kickstart their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign at home to Belarus.
The Oranje, who failed to reach the finals of Euro 2016, suffered a friendly home defeat to Greece before opening their Group A fixtures with a 1-1 draw away to Sweden, while Belarus earned a creditable goalless draw at home to France.
Coach Danny Blind admits the loss of Robben to a rib injury is a blow, but one his side will just have to overcome.
"I have spoken to Arjen Robben this morning and he will not make the match against France. That is disappointing, but then again not, because we know in what situation he is," Blind said at a press conference, reported on www.telegraaf.nl.
"He is not fit and that is unfortunate, but we will have to do without him.
"The other players (in the squad) knew the door to Robben (being fit) was ajar, but also knew that the chances (of that) were small.
"There is clarity now, we know where we stand. Without Arjen we still have a very good group."
Blind added: "Belarus are well organized and play far withdrawn, so that is difficult. They also all play at a reasonable level, in the Russian league for example.
"But we are playing at home and our boys play in the top of the UK, Italy, Russia, Turkey (leagues) etc, so that we may know what to expect against Belarus at home. We just have to win. "
Manchester United forward Memphis Depay has returned to the Oranje squad for the matches against Belarus and then France in Amsterdam on Monday.
The 22-year-old has made five appearances under Jose Mourinho so far this season, starting the EFL Cup tie at Northampton, although is yet to score.
Depay intends to make the most of his time back on international duty.
"The (Dutch) coach is not going to go to Manchester to see how I train, and I do not play much, so he does not know how I'm going," Depay said in an interview with De Telegraaf.
"Now people do not see me, they might think I'm out of practice. That is not true. I am confident that it will be fine. That's good for my career, but also for Oranje.
"I am worthy of the Dutch team. I believe I can make my contribution here."
Belarus coach Aleksandr Khatskevich is expecting a stern test at De Kuip on Friday night.
"The Netherlands against Sweden show his (Blind's) game. The philosophy is putting constant pressure and positional attacks," Khatskevich said, quoted by Voetball International.
"Indeed they missed the European Championship, but it's a young team, and their top players are coming into their prime."
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