Michael O'Neill picked out a stat to dispel Ronald Koeman's criticism of Northern Ireland 's performance in Rotterdam.
Holland claimed a late 3-1 win at the De Kuip stadium last month after going behind to Josh Magennis' header.
After the game Koeman branded Michael O'Neill side's rearguard action as “outrageous” and “terrible to watch” .
O'Neill has previously played down the comments, but when the issue raised its head once again on Friday he produced one stat that questioned the credibility of Koeman's criticism.
"We admitted after the game we could have been better in terms of keeping the ball," O'Neill said.
"We looked at the last 10 games Holland have played, and the ball in play between us and Holland was 57 minutes, which ranks fifth in the last 10 games they have played.
"So obviously other teams have been wasting more time than we have, and Holland have been wasting time themselves.
"So in terms of ball being in play, there was no massive difference to the other games. It was not dramatically different."
In their last 10 games, Holland have played opposition including Germany, Portugal, England, Belarus, Estonia and France - and Northern Ireland in Rotterdam.
"I think we managed the game well which upset the Dutch. I think they got frustrated," O'Neill added.
"When you have an embarrassment of riches and players that play for the clubs you have, then suddenly you are 1-0 down to a nation like Northern Ireland, then it leads to frustration.
"We were very frustrated we didn't hold on as we would be playing for a victory tomorrow night to qualify for the Euros.
"But we don't know any more motivation than we did going into the gme in Rotterdam. I don't think the players are upset by comments like that."
Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis said Koeman's comments didn't bother the players.
"I think we would be more concerned if they said it was a great game. That would have meant they dominated and won comfortably," the Rangers midfielder said.
"So I don't mind those comments.
"We have to play the best way to get ourselves a result. The challenge is for us to impose ourselves a little bit more tomorrow night when we're off the ball."
Check out this week's That's What I Call Football podcast (below) to hear what our panel had to say about Michael O'Neill's move to Stoke City...
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