Writing in the Dutch paper De Telegraaf, Cruyff said Rita Verdonk's decision not to grant the Ivorian-born player citizenship contributed to their early exit from the tournament.

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But De Telegraaf's Twente correspondent Jeroen Kapteijns believes the former Manchester United coach has been "psychologically very important for the players", a view echoed by Tukkers season ticket holder Ellen.

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The Dutch Patriot batteries will depart for Turkey on Monday and are expected to arrive by 22 January along with nearly 300 troops, the country's daily De Telegraaf newspaper reports.

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