The Dutch football association, KNVB, have began their work on securing Ronald Koeman’s replacement.
Koeman stepped down from his role as Netherlands coach after a World Cup last 32 defeat to Morocco.
In the last few days, his assistants have also been released from their contracts – Wim Jonk and Erwin Koeman.
AD report that Director of Elite Football Nigel de Jong has held talks with all the team’s coaches and that Ruud van Nistelrooy and goalkeeping coach Patrick Lodewijks are also set to depart.
Klopp was the dream candidate
De Jong is working with Clarence Seedorf (the football commissioner on the Supervisory Board) and Marianne van Leeuwen (Director of Professional Football) on finding the next coach, and their dream scenario was Jurgen Klopp with his Dutch assistant Pepijn Lijnders, but he’s now joining Germany.
As such, the Netherlands want someone with a similar profile for long-term planning.
They don’t want a coach who is only going to be around for a short time, which is why front-runner Arne Slot is complicated.
Sky Germany claim that contact has been made with the recently fired Liverpool manager, but AD don’t agree.
Guardiola rumours
In fact, they see the KNVB looking for someone older who will stick around for a longer period.
Pep Guardiola’s name has come up given his love for Dutch football and availability since leaving Manchester City.
Yet as things stand, he is taking a sabbatical, but contact will likely be made.
Another name that fits the profile is back-to-back Eredivisie-winning coach Peter Bosz.
The PSV manager made it clear he was ready to join after Koeman’s last tournament, but after being passed over, he’s unlikely to make things easy.
Michael Reiziger is another candidate already working for the KNVB, and could be called up from the under-21s.
Such a move has worked for Spain with Luis de la Fuente, and arguably England with Gareth Southgate.
There is also the added benefit that Reiziger won’t be distracted by club sides.
Leave a Reply