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World Cup 2010: Netherlands star Wesley Sneijder claims he was misquoted after Dunga & Diego Maradona 'idiots' comments
The Inter talisman insists he has a 'great respect' for the duo...
5 Jul 2010 18:40:00
By Adam Scime
After having been reported to have praised national team tactician Bert van Marwijk and condemned Brazil boss Dunga and Argentina coach Diego Maradona, Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder has insisted there was a "big mistake" in the transcription.
"It's nice to have someone at the helm who can give you piece of mind and does not panic," the playmaker was originally reported to have told Dutch magazine Helden.
"After a difficult first-half against Brazil we managed to stay calm. I'd rather have someone like Van Marwijk as coach rather than two idiots like Maradona and Dunga."
Although since the comments were published, the former Real Madrid star told Inter's official club website he had been misquoted.
"There was a big mistake in transcription and in the various translations of my words," said Sneijder.
"In the interview I never reported directly to Maradona and Dunga, against whom I have great respect for both players by what they have done for both their work as technicians.
"In the interview, I just talked about the differences that exist between coaches, each of us can not be equal to one another. I regret a lot of misunderstandings that have been given to my words."
There have been suggestions of unrest in the Dutch camp, especially after an incident where striker Robin van Persie protested his substitution in the round of 16 match against Slovakia, and there have been rumours that he told the coach Sneijder should have been removed instead.
"Everyone spoke of the 'fantastic four' [Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Van Persie, and Rafael van der Vaart], but now look how Dirk Kuyt plays. He's a fixed starter and rightly so," continued the 26-year-old.
"It's also right not to remove Robin [van Persie]. He is very helpful to the team."
Besides being in the semi-finals of the World Cup there is more good news for the Inter man after his treble winning season, as it has been revealed he is one of the front-runners for the Ballon d'Or.
"Sparkling this campaign, for Wesley Sneijder a triumphant [club] season and an excellent World Cup thus far have made the Dutchman a potential candidate for the Ballon d'Or," France Football magazine explained.
It was announced earlier today that FIFA and the France Football magazine have merged their separate awards to create the FIFA Ballon d'Or.
| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.33 | Draw £37.50 | Mexico £55.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £16.20 | Draw £42.00 | Mexico £50.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £16.15 | Draw £38.00 | Mexico £55.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.70 | Draw £38.00 | Mexico £60.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Brazil £15.80 | Draw £41.00 | Mexico £57.00 |
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"It's nice to have someone at the helm who can give you piece of mind and does not panic," the playmaker was originally reported to have told Dutch magazine Helden.
"After a difficult first-half against Brazil we managed to stay calm. I'd rather have someone like Van Marwijk as coach rather than two idiots like Maradona and Dunga."
Although since the comments were published, the former Real Madrid star told Inter's official club website he had been misquoted.
"There was a big mistake in transcription and in the various translations of my words," said Sneijder.
"In the interview I never reported directly to Maradona and Dunga, against whom I have great respect for both players by what they have done for both their work as technicians.
"In the interview, I just talked about the differences that exist between coaches, each of us can not be equal to one another. I regret a lot of misunderstandings that have been given to my words."
There have been suggestions of unrest in the Dutch camp, especially after an incident where striker Robin van Persie protested his substitution in the round of 16 match against Slovakia, and there have been rumours that he told the coach Sneijder should have been removed instead.
"Everyone spoke of the 'fantastic four' [Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Van Persie, and Rafael van der Vaart], but now look how Dirk Kuyt plays. He's a fixed starter and rightly so," continued the 26-year-old.
"It's also right not to remove Robin [van Persie]. He is very helpful to the team."
Besides being in the semi-finals of the World Cup there is more good news for the Inter man after his treble winning season, as it has been revealed he is one of the front-runners for the Ballon d'Or.
"Sparkling this campaign, for Wesley Sneijder a triumphant [club] season and an excellent World Cup thus far have made the Dutchman a potential candidate for the Ballon d'Or," France Football magazine explained.
It was announced earlier today that FIFA and the France Football magazine have merged their separate awards to create the FIFA Ballon d'Or.
How will the tournament go? Check out Castrol Football's 2010 FIFA World Cup Tournament Predictor.
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