Wesley Sneijder has said in the build-up to Netherlands’ opening Euro 2016 qualifying clash against the Czech Republic in Prague that coach Guus Hiddink is far more relaxed than his predecessor Louis van Gaal.

Van Gaal left the national team after guiding them to the semi-finals of this summer’s World Cup where they were knocked out by Argentina and is currently attempting to revive Manchester United’s fortunes.

The 67-year-old Hiddink has taken charge of Netherlands for the second time following his spell in charge between 1995 and 1998 and it is an appointment that has been welcomed by Galatasaray star Sneijder, who told De Telegraaf: “He is a lot more relaxed than Louis van Gaal.

“This could be good for the group after two such intensive years. There is room for relaxation, but he is also firm and doesn’t accept laziness. With Louis, everything was more fixed. He was in fact more like a schoolmaster who was standing on the field and now it’s as if we’re with a nice uncle.”

The Dutch go into the match against the Czech Republic hoping to produce a much-improved performance following last week’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Italy.

It was a nightmare return to international management for former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Australia and Russia manager Hiddink who saw his side concede two goals in the first 10 minutes and have a man sent off.

Hiddink will be without the injured trio of Ron Vlaar, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, and Arjen Robben for the game in Prague, while defender Bruno Martins Indi is expected to start on the substitutes’ bench following his red card against Italy.

The Czech Republic are 3.73 to win the Group A encounter while the Dutch are available at 1.94 to triumph.