'Netherlands are working on a fresh start,' says AC Milan defender Emanuelson

Sep 4, 2012 11:20:00 PM

The left-back has assured the Oranje faithful that the national team are doing their best to recover from an embarrassing display at the European Championships

Urby Emanuelson has revealed that Netherlands are working hard for a fresh start as they begin their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Oranje suffered elimination at the group stages of Euro 2012 after failing to pick up a single point in their three fixtures.

Louis van Gaal has since been drafted in as coach and the 26-year-old is eager for the Dutch to start over with some new blood for their forthcoming qualifiers.

"We at the Oranje are really working for a new start," Emanuelson began to OnsOranje. "It works for many guys and it is really motivating that there are many opportunities given to new players.

"I still need to try and find my way in the national team. That is not surprising, I have not been here often. I would like to show the coach that I was rightly selected."

Emanuelson also spoke of his desire to force his way into the first team at AC Milan following the departures of key players such as Gennaro Gattuso, Mark van Bommel, Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"It is an interesting time. There is obviously much happening at the club. There are a lot of people who have left.

"I still feel the confidence of the people there [Milan], they say they are satisfied with me. This weekend I did not play, but I'm glad I remain in the picture of the Dutch national team."

Netherlands face Turkey at the Amsterdam ArenA on Friday September 7 in their first World Cup qualifier.