Seedorf advises Drenthe not to focus on national team

Paul Haring - 3 November 2009 10:15

Real Madrid defender Royston Drenthe hopes he will get a chance to defeat his friend at Milan, Clarence Seedorf, tonight when they meet each other at the San Siro.

Despite his place in the stages during Real Madrid's last competition match against Getafe (2-0 win), Royston Drenthe will be part of the match selection that faces AC Milan tonight. That means there is a chance he will play against his friend Clarence Seedorf.

"I wasn't part of the squad that played against Getafe, because coach Manuel Pellegrini wasn't satisfied with the way I played against Alcorcon and Sporting Gijon," Drenthe told Dutch paper De Telegraaf.

"Earlier in my career I would have discussed this with the coach but now I just decided to work like a madman. After the training at the San Siro, mister Pellegrini told me this was the reason why I returned to the group."

And that was exactly what Clarence Seedorf had predicted. The two Dutchmen with Surinam roots became friends not so long ago. "Clarence is an example for me and he has been like a father to me," said Drenthe.

Drenthe and Seedorf faced each other two weeks ago during the first match between Real Madrid and Milan at the Bernabeu. Drenthe scored a goal but Seedorf left the field as a winner (2-3). Based on his performance that game, Drenthe was complimented and the media predicted a place in the national team for the 22-year-old full back.

"But I have to perform on a high level for a long period to make it to the national team," added Drenthe. "I know I'm doing well now but I don't think about the Dutch team. I focus on Real. That's also a lesson from Clarence."