Depay, RVP in training bust-up

Danny Blind has confirmed that Memphis Depay and Robin van Persie had a training-ground spat before Holland's win over Kazakhstan. Picture: Rui Vieira

Danny Blind has confirmed that Memphis Depay and Robin van Persie had a training-ground spat before Holland's win over Kazakhstan. Picture: Rui Vieira

Published Oct 13, 2015

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Danny Blind has confirmed that Memphis Depay and Robin van Persie had a training-ground spat before Holland’s win over Kazakhstan last Saturday, but denied that it was why Fenerbahce striker Van Persie was left out of the starting line-up for the Euro 2016 qualifier.

Holland coach Blind said: ‘That had nothing to do with my decision. It was a discussion during training about a ball that should have been given over. Things like that happen often.

‘There are sometimes situations in training where players think differently. That’s what happened and then it was over.

‘I felt Robin was not fit enough to start. I think that’s down to the fact that he has not played without pain for quite a while.’

Since joining Fenerbahce from Manchester United in the summer, Van Persie, 32, has struggled to be an automatic choice for his club.

Holland will fail to reach the play-offs for the Euro 2016 finals in France next summer if Turkey win or draw at home to Iceland tonight, even if they beat the Czech Republic in Amsterdam.

With Blind clinging on to his job by his fingertips, Southampton are bracing themselves for an approach for Ronald Koeman.

The club’s manager will feature highly on the Dutch FA’s list if they decide to part with the 54-year-old Blind.

Southampton are keen to tie Koeman to a long-term contract, but fear that the possibility of the Holland job coming up is likely to put a spanner in the works. – Daily Mail

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