George Boateng: Netherlands must 'start over again'
Monday 7 September 2015 12:30, UK
George Boateng says the Netherlands must forget about qualifying for Euro 2016 and "start over again" under manager Danny Blind.
The Dutch are in danger of missing out on next summer's tournament in France after losing 3-0 to Turkey on Sunday, a defeat which followed last week's 1-0 loss to Iceland and means they cannot make either of the two automatic places.
Netherlands have failed to score from their last 36 shots and, with just two games remaining, lie fourth in Group A and are likely to have to rely on the play-offs if they are to avoid missing out on a first European Championships since 1984.
And Boateng, who was capped four times by the Dutch national side between 2001-2006, believes they must now focus on a long-term rebuilding strategy under Blind.
"We have to go back and start over again," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "Some years ago when Marco van Basten took over from Louis Van Gaal, the whole country said if we don't qualify it's okay.
"We give Marco the chance to do his job. Now we have to be honest and probably forget about the Euros and rebuild for the next tournament."
The 1988 European Championship winners' defeat to Turkey was their biggest loss since 1975, and Boateng, who played in the Premier League for Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, admits he fears the worst over qualifying for the Euros due to their poor head-to-head record against Turkey.
"Even goal difference will play a huge part in the next two games," he added. "Even if Holland do get equal points as Turkey the individual results will count, which is now in favour of Turkey.
"I fear the worst. I was hoping somehow to get a draw at least against Turkey and I could be proven wrong. As it turned out it was really bad performance from us."
