Former midfielder speaks to htafc.com
Former Huddersfield Town midfielder Dean Gorre spoke exclusively to htafc.com about this year’s Brazil World Cup, which starts in just one week’s time!
Gorre spent the majority of his playing career in the Netherlands before moving to Yorkshire in 1999 to play for Town and Barnsley.
He has also managed in the country with RBC Roosendaal and coached in Ajax’s youth set-up.
Speaking with just a week to go before Brazil kick-off the tournament, he believed that the Dutch will have a good World Cup:
“Tournament football is all about the team that clicks at the right time. The Netherlands are grouped with Spain, Chile and Australia, and I would expect them to qualify with the Spaniards. It’s not going to be easy and to get to the next round, the team needs to stay fit and put up a good fight.
“I actually visited the Dutch training camp this week and met with Louis van Gaal and the atmosphere is excellent,” he continued. “The young and old players are mixing well and it is chilled and relaxed environment – there is a positive vibe. Before that, if I’m honest, I wasn’t too sure about their chances of getting to the latter stages, but after sampling the environment, I’m confident that they can have a really good World Cup.
“Van Gaal’s planning is incredible; he considers every situation,” Gorre added. “The Dutch normally play one style, but I think that he will adapt the systems a little depending upon the opposition.”
On the Dutch players to watch out for, he said: “Robin Van Persie is on fire at the moment and I expect him to have a good World Cup. Arjen Robben is the other main threat and I think that he and Van Persie will be the ones that will carry the team.
“Also, if Memphis Depay gets a chance, he may be one to watch. He is young, only 19 or 20, but if he gets his chance, he will do well.”
The now 43 year-old made over 50 appearances for the Terriers following a £330,000 move from Ajax and netted seven times before moving to Barnsley.
“I loved my time at Huddersfield,” he said. “It was great when we were top of the league and chasing promotion. The highlight was when we beat Manchester City away, but there were so many good times. It was a great team and we played some good football; Clyde Wijnhard and Marcus Stewart seemed to be scoring goals for fun and people like Kenny Irons and Scott Sellers were playing in midfield with me, helping with the assists.
“I received so much respect and love from the Huddersfield fans. I played at other clubs for longer periods, but the Huddersfield fans gave me so much love. To hear positive comments was great for me and the fans were very warm to me.”
Also, why not make this year’s tournament more interesting by purchasing a World Cup Draw ticket; the main draw is made on Friday so be quick and get yours now!
Tickets need to be returned to the Club by 12pm Friday 6 June.