Louis van Gaal about the absence of Wijnaldum: ‘Orange is not a rehabilitation center’ Football

sport">“He is not there because he has not delivered,” said the national coach. “I read that it is because he has made fewer minutes or whatever. It isn’t, because I can’t hold on to that principle. He played five out of six games under me in qualifying, then I substituted him three times. I think you should deliver to Oranje. It’s not a rehabilitation center or anything, I just have to select the best players, or else I’ll fail.”

sport">According to Van Gaal, Wijnaldum holds the key to his return. “If he gets his form again, he will just play again, because I am a lover of Georginio. We were in touch via Facetime, so I could look him straight in the eye. So that I could see the effect I had on him with my questioning. Did he understand? No, I do not think so. I think it makes sense if he’s angry or disappointed.”

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