Robben wants himself, Sneijder involved in choosing Netherlands boss

Arjen Robben has offered the services of both himself and fellow Dutch veteran Wesley Sneijder in helping choose the next manager of the Netherlands national team.

Danny Blind was shown the exit door on Sunday following a 2-0 defeat in Bulgaria which left the country's bid to compete at the 2018 World Cup in Russia in disarray. The ex-Ajax handler had also overseen the unsuccessful campaign to make Euro 2016.

Reports from the Netherlands understood that former boss Louis van Gaal was involved in the recruitment process, but captain Robben, 33, thinks additional input from himself and long-term international teammate Sneijder could prove invaluable.

"We have been in the team for the last 14 years and have told the KNVB (Dutch football association) that we want to be part of the process," the Bayern Munich winger told Reuters.

"We have built up the right experience with coaches over the years and we know what this squad needs and we think we also have a good idea who would fit in with the group."

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Robben sat out Tuesday's 2-1 friendly loss against Italy at the Amsterdam Arena, but 32-year-old Sneijder was introduced from the bench in the 83rd minute. Retired goalkeeper Fred Grim, previously manager of the Under-21s, temporarily took over the technical area for that tilt.

"I would have Van Gaal high on my list but it is too early to start mentioning specific names," Robben revealed about his preferred candidates.

He added on Blind's sacking: "These last days have been tumultuous. We did not see any of it coming. It is unbelievable how quickly things can change in the space of 24 hours."

The Dutch next reconvene for friendlies against Morocco on May 31 and the Ivory Coast on June 4, before trying to address the three-point gap between them and Sweden in UEFA World Cup qualification Group A when they host Luxembourg on June 9.