Davids hits back at Cruyff comments

Holland midfielder Edgar Davids has responded angrily to criticism from Dutch legend Johan Cruyff over his performances.

BBC pundit Cruyff was particularly unimpressed with Davids during Holland's final group match against France as he felt Davids spent too much time arguing with the referee.

Cruyff said: "Davids showed he was good in the second half with his chasing but why can't he keep his mouth shut?"

Davids replied: "Of course it affects you... I can't say I didn't respond to that.

"But he doesn't know the whole situation - he's not there.

"He doesn't know what the manager tells us to do and what we talk about prior to game.

Cruyff doesn't know the whole situation - he's not there

Edgar Davids

"If that's what he thinks, then fine, but he doesn't have the complete story."

Holland manager Frank Rijkaard feels that perhaps Cruyff's views are worth more consideratiuon than others.

He said: "Johan Cruyff is one of those people with his own story every time.

"And there are media who always know better and are real 'experts' at soccer.

"But of course, Johan Cruyff is a different story than the media and I think we have to use his criticism in the best possible way.

"We can make use of it for our game against Yugoslavia."