Holland coach Guus Hiddink admits he considered stripping Manchester United striker Robin van Persie of the Oranje captaincy after the World Cup.
Hiddink says he had concerns with Van Persie's early season form and "outside distractions".
He told Heroes Magazine: "I was worried about his form, which was good during the World Cup, but then different at Manchester United.
"I had the feeling that he had too much on his mind, he was carrying too many issues.
"I put this to him, when I was with him for a visit in Manchester. I told him honestly: 'I'm not going to diminish the captaincy, but you must be free again in your head, you have all these side issues. You must return to the flow to where as a footballer you're happiest'.
"He has responded very positively."
