Koeman faces Dutch squad without Timber, Depay

Ronald Koeman will hold a press conference in Kansas City on Wednesday ahead of the Netherlands' first World Cup match against Japan. The session comes as Jurriën Timber is sidelined and Memphis Depay remains uncertain about full fitness, raising questions about the Dutch squad selection. Sport psychologist Paul van Zwam says Timber's absence lowers the team's chance of success, a logical but uncomfortable thought that should not be avoided. He adds that the missing players also include Xavi Simons, Jerdy Schouten and Matthijs de Ligt, which could be demoralising. Van Zwam advises focusing on the team's strengths and distinguishing qualities to succeed in the tournament. He suggests that such focus may become evident during the competition. Koeman notes that Memphis Depay is not yet fully fit and that his replacement Donyell Malen has not yet convinced. Van Zwam stresses that if Depay regains fitness, logic and communication will naturally restore his place in the starting lineup. Van Zwam has worked with clubs under coaches Foppe de Haan, Gertjan Verbeek and Peter Bosz. He also collaborated with Ronald Koeman at Feyenoord. Group dynamics researcher Jeroen Steeman sees a strong bond between formal leader Koeman and informal leader Virgil van Dijk. He describes the relationship as almost symbiotic, offering opportunities for the team. Steeman notes that Virgil van Dijk currently tops the hierarchy, with Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong normally acting as norm carriers. He predicts that leadership under pressure will become interesting if those roles shift. Steeman recalls a past shift when Teun Koopmeiners was promoted to the senior squad, after which a new norm carrier emerged and performance dipped. He also cites René van der Gijp's reference to Ruud Gullit as a player with authority who could lift a team. Van Zwam argues that any team, including the Netherlands, benefits from players with authority, naming Memphis Depay as such a figure. He imagines Koeman would welcome Depay's involvement when possible.