Didulica said last week that Van Gaal had told him he would start the match ahead of Argentinian Sergio Romero, who had only just returned to the club after winning gold with his nation's Olympic team.

That was not how things turned out, however, with Romero selected to start as AZ lost 2-1.

And Didulica, who did not feature at all last season after suffering concussion almost two years ago, described his demotion as the "greatest disappointment of my entire career".

"I am disappointed in the complete coaching staff of AZ," Didulica told De Telegraaf. "This is the greatest disappointment in my entire career. A kick in the face."

The 30-year-old added the squad had been told the returning Olympic players would not be included for the match.

"Everybody thought that the players who stayed at home would play," he said. "The players who stayed at home worked hard for the last eight weeks."

Van Gaal responded to Didulica's criticism by praising his disappointment.

"I think that some players are disappointed because they were not in the starting line up," he said.

"That is only good. I am therefore happy with this reaction."