Ten Hag warns: Netherlands loses focus ahead of Twente clash

Oranje is under fire after the disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco (2026-06-30). Erik ten Hag, Netherlands manager, sounds the alarm ahead of the upcoming friendly against Twente. 'We messed it up,' says Ten Hag, urging the players to return to basics.

What went wrong?

The draw against Morocco was a wake-up call for the Dutch national team. With a run of three wins and two draws in the last five matches (DDWWW), Oranje seemed on track. But the performance against Morocco revealed defensive weaknesses and a lack of creativity in attack.

Why this matters for Netherlands

With the next match against Germany (home, 2026-09-24) on the horizon, Netherlands cannot afford more mistakes. Ten Hag emphasizes that players must focus on their roles. 'We need to get back to basics,' he says. 'Every player must understand their role.'

What comes next?

Netherlands will play without Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons, who are currently injured. The friendly against Twente is a crucial test to regain form. Ten Hag hopes the players have learned their lesson and are ready for the challenge.

The Dutch national team has a strong unbeaten streak, but the last performance shows there is still work to be done. The focus is now on restoring confidence and improving performances.