Louis van Gaal has warned his Netherlands squad they risk missing forthcoming World Cup in Qatar if they are not playing regularly at their respective clubs
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has warned Tyrell Malacia and others after the Belgium victory that they risk missing the upcoming World Cup in Qatar if they don’t play regularly at their respective clubs.
Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia was called up to the Netherlands national team, having played a huge role in United’s upturn of form in recent weeks.
The former Feyenoord defender has started Man United’s last six games in all competitions including against Liverpool and Arsenal at Old Trafford in the Premier League.
Malacia’s top performances have not only impressed a large part of the Manchester United fanbase but also his national team manager, Louis van Gaal, hence his presence in the Dutch national team for the ongoing UEFA Nations League campaign.
The left-back started the second half against Belgium on Sunday night at Johan Cruijff Arena and impressed as the Netherlands edged out Belgians to a tight 1-0 win.
While Malacia seems to be on a roll at club level at the expense of Luke Shaw’s lack of form, Louis van Gaal has warned him and others that they stand a chance to be left behind for the upcoming World Cup if they don’t start regularly in their respective clubs and that’s a huge challenge for Malacia, given Shaw’s hunger to desire to win back his place in the starting team.
Speaking after the final whistle against Belgium, the former Barcelona and Manchester United boss said: “I held my final speech in the dressing room and I told the guys that we played really bad. But off the ball we were decent.
“I told my players that they are not going to Qatar if they are not fit because we are not a rehabilitation center.”