| Dutch Mildfielder W. Sneijder |
A physically and mentally drained Wesley Sneijder says that that while there is "a lot wrong" with Netherlands, Danny Blind must remain on as national team coach.
Just over a year after finishing third at Brazil 2014, the Dutch failed to even secure a play-off for next year's European Champions in France, with Blind's side limping home fourth in their qualification group, behind Czech Republic, Iceland and Turkey.
Blind only took charge in July, after being promoted from assistant coach to the top job in Dutch football following the surprise resignation of Guus Hiddink, who had succeeded Louis van Gaal at the helm after the World Cup.
However, the former Ajax man's future is now in doubt, with Netherlands' shockingly poor Euro 2016 qualification campaign having come to a dismal on Tuesday with a 3-2 at home to the 10-man Czechs.
Sneijder admitted that Oranje had been justifiably punished for their defensive deficiencies but he insists that Blind should not be sacked.
"I am empty inside - both physically and mentally," Sneijder told NOS after the full-time whistle in Amsterdam. "If you know you have to win this game, you cannot just give it away with these types of errors.
"There's a lot wrong. We know Czech Republic are a good team, but you have to keep things compact and we were disappointing.
"I think we had a fantastic opening, but we made many mistakes, for which we were punished. Anyway, there is little we can do now. It's over.
"Blind must stay, though. This is not down to him; it is a collective failure. It's up to the players to make it happen and we did not."
Sneijder, who inspired Netherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup, added that he has no intention of calling time on his international career.
"I will not stop playing for Netherlands," the Galatasaray playmaker stated.
Just over a year after finishing third at Brazil 2014, the Dutch failed to even secure a play-off for next year's European Champions in France, with Blind's side limping home fourth in their qualification group, behind Czech Republic, Iceland and Turkey.
Blind only took charge in July, after being promoted from assistant coach to the top job in Dutch football following the surprise resignation of Guus Hiddink, who had succeeded Louis van Gaal at the helm after the World Cup.
However, the former Ajax man's future is now in doubt, with Netherlands' shockingly poor Euro 2016 qualification campaign having come to a dismal on Tuesday with a 3-2 at home to the 10-man Czechs.
Sneijder admitted that Oranje had been justifiably punished for their defensive deficiencies but he insists that Blind should not be sacked.
"I am empty inside - both physically and mentally," Sneijder told NOS after the full-time whistle in Amsterdam. "If you know you have to win this game, you cannot just give it away with these types of errors.
"There's a lot wrong. We know Czech Republic are a good team, but you have to keep things compact and we were disappointing.
"I think we had a fantastic opening, but we made many mistakes, for which we were punished. Anyway, there is little we can do now. It's over.
"Blind must stay, though. This is not down to him; it is a collective failure. It's up to the players to make it happen and we did not."
Sneijder, who inspired Netherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup, added that he has no intention of calling time on his international career.
"I will not stop playing for Netherlands," the Galatasaray playmaker stated.
"I still feel very fit."
Meanwhile, Daley Blind is also of the opinion that his father should be allowed to continue in his role.
"I support the coach and I think the whole group does too," the Manchester United ace said.
Meanwhile, Daley Blind is also of the opinion that his father should be allowed to continue in his role.
"I support the coach and I think the whole group does too," the Manchester United ace said.
"Today was one big disappointment, but we are fully behind the coach.
"Of course this is a huge disappointment and obviously I am thinking of my father."
"Of course this is a huge disappointment and obviously I am thinking of my father."
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