Louis van Gaal brutally axes Netherlands player from World Cup squad, he's been in since 2011
Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has told Tim Krul he has no international future after he refused to take part in penalty practice.
Krul has been a mainstay in the Dutch squad ever since he made his debut in 2011 against Brazil. But he does not look set to be involved in the World Cup in Qatar after recent revelations from his manager.
The Dutch are playing against Poland and Belgium in UEFA Nations League fixtures in the international break, though Krul was not included in the 25-man squad.
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However, the former Newcastle United shotstopper was asked to show up to the KNVB Campus for extra training - specifically involving penalties - alongside his fellow goalkeepers.
He turned down the invitation and now Van Gaal claims Krul will not play for his country again.
“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.”
Something of a spot-kick specialist, Krul was memorably brought on by Van Gaal for a penalty shoot-out against Costa Rica in the 2014 World Cup.
He replaced Jasper Cillessen and went on to save two penalties to take the Dutch through to the semi-finals.
Krul has racked up 222 appearances in the Premier League, keeping 51 clean sheets.
He is still plying his trade with Norwich City following their relegation to the Championship and has made 10 appearances this term.
Topics: Louis Van Gaal, Netherlands, Man Utd
Josh Lawless