In what could be a perceived dig at the Manchester United coaching staff, Memphis Depay has insisted Netherlands coach Danny Blind knows how to give him confidence.
The Dutchman has joined up with his international teammates over the break, and will hope that it will be a help rather than a hindrance having lost his place in the starting line-up at Old Trafford.
While Blind evidently has plenty of belief in him in selecting him despite his struggles this season, Depay has arguably suggested that he doesn’t get the same feeling of faith from those at United.
While he was quick to point out that he has no intention of leaving and is not unhappy in Manchester, it raises a question as to whether or not Van Gaal is able to get the best out of him on a consistent basis.
“The coach [Blind] gives me a lot of confidence and I’m very grateful for that,”he told De Telegraaf. “That’s important for young boys. The coach knows my qualities and know that I can come in handy at any World Cup.”
Asked if he had the same confidence at United, Depay replied: “Sometimes. There are people inside the club with whom I talk about this. Also with the coach [Louis van Gaal]. Furthermore, I do not want to leave.
“My focus now lies with the Dutch team. Two good games coming and I am really happy that I can be in there.”
United’s win over rivals Manchester City on Sunday moved them to within a point of a Champions League qualification spot, and Van Gaal will hope to have his entire squad at his disposal in the run-in to end the season.
While Depay’s first year in the Premier League has been difficult, with the 22-year-old managing just five goals and four assists in 37 appearances in all competitions, he will hope that it is merely an adjustment period with better performances ahead next season.
In turn, the Red Devils will likely continue to keep faith in him but he will certainly have a fight on his hands to return to the line-up with the likes of Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard and more recently Marcus Rashford all impressing in his absence.