Van Gaal is working on the system, but is also thinking about the Orange position in the World Cup draw

Due to the elimination of Italy yesterday, the Dutch team can still hope to be classified in the highest pot. In this way, Orange avoids the strongest countries in the group stage. Not unimportant for Van Gaal in how he approaches the next two international matches, he said at the press conference in Zeist this afternoon. “That always plays a role, because it’s better to be in pot 1 than in pot 2.”

The new game system is also getting a lot of attention these days. Van Gaal calls it 1-3-4-3 or 1-3-4-1-2. He thus abandons the classic Dutch way of playing football with wingers. “I prefer this system because the opponent has to adapt. We have a lot of defensive qualities that are suitable for this. You see it more and more in the Premier League. The difference between top and less top is very small and I think That gives us a better chance.”

Timber to World Cup

However, the national coach emphasized that what he wants “is not for the baker after two games”. It takes time to grind this in at Oranje. That is also the reason that injured players Timber, Gakpo and Teze only left the training camp after the implementation, as Van Gaal calls the explanation. The national coach states that in his eyes these boys will certainly come to Qatar and therefore were not allowed to leave earlier.

Despite the positive corona test, Van Gaal has been able to do what he had in mind with his players in recent days. “I keep my distance and I led meetings via digital technology. I could actually do everything, just from a greater distance.”

The national coach has now been tested negative in a rapid test and he can take a seat on the bench tomorrow. Netherlands – Denmark starts at 8.45 pm and is played in the Johan Cruijff Arena.