Arsenal v Holland tussle
By sjlskl
@sjlskl (3382)
Singapore
November 6, 2010 9:09am CST
Van Persie was out with an injury and had just got back into training. However, the striker, who had not played for Arsenal yet was choosen for the national team. The Holland coach said he will not hesitated to start the player. This had gotten Wenger furious. While many had say Wenger is just whinning as usual, I think he has a point here. Holland should not picked Van Persie to appear in a friendly when he had just started training after being out with an injury.
What do you think? Should he be choosen in the first place?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@rappeter13 (8608)
• Romania
6 Nov 10
The same happened with Robben and van Bommel from Bayern, they got injured while playing for the national team. Now, Bayern demands a payment from the Dutch Federation, especially for Robben. I am a Bayern fan and I am not happy at all that we have so many injured players, but if I was a player I would play for my national team even injured if I had to. Of course, clubs are paying the players, but nothing can compare with the pride and honor of playing for your national team, no matter how much your club wants to point out that the club is more important. We all know that nothing can compare with major international tournaments like World Cups or Euro Championships, but with this attitude from clubs many players will refuse their national team, just for not being injured. And I cannot disagree more with that. I think that national team is far more important than club team. You play for the club team mostly for money, but for the national team only for the honor.
@sjlskl (3382)
• Singapore
7 Nov 10
I don't think it is a problem if it is some major tournament, but for some senseless friendly, that is plain ridiculous. Yes, representing the nation is a honour but the coaches should remember that the clubs pay the salary, make sure they are fit and on form.
@ram_cv (16513)
• India
7 Nov 10
I think this club vs. country row will continue as long as the club culture exists. And I think the country managers who have come out to criticize Wenger for his comments are apt. I think players should first play for the country and then for their clubs. So I think the manager of Holland is right in picking up Van Persie. Else let Van Persie declare that he is not interested in playing for the Dutch.
For me it is always country over club be it a friendly or a competitive match.
Cheers!
Ram
