Van Gaal has always supported me, says Robben

Robben: Van Gaal has always supported me

09/02/2013 3:30:00 AM

The Dutch winger expressed his admiration for the Netherlands coach, after he was included in the latest Oranje squad despite not starting frequently for Bayern Munich recently

Arjen Robben was full of praise for Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal for choosing to include him in the latest squad despite having not played frequently for Bayern Munich in recent weeks.

The former Chelsea winger has frequently had to settle for a place on the bench at the Allianz Arena behind the likes of Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller this season.

Van Gaal, now in his second stint as Dutch boss, worked with Robben during his two-year spell at Bayern, and the 29-year-old revealed his satisfaction at being involved with the Oranje set-up under the coach.

He said to Bild: "To come into national team is like a warm shower. It gives you a really good feeling when the coach has the faith in you that [Van Gaal] has; he has always supported me.”

Netherlands drew their friendly game with Italy on Wednesday night after Marco Verratti's stoppage-time goal cancelled out Jeremain Lens' first-half strike.

Robben has returned to his club, though the Bavarians are likely to name an unchanged team for the fourth consecutive Bundesliga fixture as they prepare for the visit of Schalke on Saturday.

Muller and Mario Mandzukic have become key figures since they were given regular first-team starts, and the two look likely to start again on Saturday ahead of Robben and Mario Gomez.