Louis van Gaal expressed his disappointment that star players Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey will not play in Wednesday’s friendly between the Netherlands and Wales,suggesting that both players might have opted for an early vacation after a long season with their respective clubs, Real Madrid and Arsenal.
“I have said to my board that they have to insiston playing with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey,” the Dutch coach said. “I don’t know why, if it is injuries or holidays. When it is a holiday I’m a little bit disappointed but I can understand it,because Bale has had a very difficult and pressured season. It’s better that we have the best Welsh team because we need resistance and I think without these players Wales are weaker.”
In theabsence of Bale, Ramsey and regular captain Ashley Williams, Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen is expected to lead the team out at the Amsterdam Arena.