Louis van Gaal has explained the absence of Tim Krul from the Dutch national squad for the current international break.
The Netherlands manager opted not to choose the Norwich City shot-stopper ahead of the team’s final preparations for the winter World Cup.
The veteran coach has discussed his reasoning behind the decision, claiming that his refusal to take part in a penalty experiment saw him dropped.
The 34-year old has become renowned for his prowess at saving shots from 12-yards out, and even famously came off the bench in the late stages of extra time during a World Cup knockout tie in 2014 to take part in a shootout for the Dutch.
But the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager wanted Krul to take part in a scientific study of spot-kicks, which he refused.
"Krul called me to tell me that he will pass,” said van Gaal, via Dutch news site AD.
“I thought it was a shame, because I know that he stops the most penalties in terms of statistics.
“There is no future for him at the Orange, because he did not want to come.
“That is the consequence of his decision
"I've always thought that you can train a penalty kick.
“Not the moment and the pressure, but you can automate your process and that gives confidence.
“I have convinced the boys that they can do something with it, that players at the club will train for penalties.
"You cannot change the training policy at their club, but you can request them to practice their own penalty kicks."
Krul has been the Canaries starting goalkeeper this season under Dean Smith with the side currently 2nd in the Championship.
He has conceded only nine goals from 10 games and has performed quite well.
However, his performances will not be earning him a place on the plane to Qatar this November.
The Verdict
Krul will forever be remembered for his heroics against Costa Rica in Brazil, solidifying his reputation as a penalty shootout specialist.
That makes the reasoning for this decision quite strange, especially as Krul was likely to be a second choice selection anyway.
Regardless, his form for Norwich this season has been good and he could’ve earned his way back into the fold at the Netherlands but for this decision.
The chance to play at a World Cup is so rare that it is surprising that no compromise could be found between both parties.