Ruud Gullit has put himself forward to be the new head coach of the Dutch national team.
- By Michael Bell
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The former midfielder has been out of coaching since leaving Russian side Terek Grozny in 2011. However, he was recently in talks with KNVB over taking an assistant role, but those talks broke down.
Speaking to beIN Sport, Gullit confirmed his interest in replacing Danny Blind. “Anyone who is offered that job would want it. I’ve told them I’m willing.
“It’s an honour to be coach of the national team. I already was willing to help the national team. What they’re going to do at the moment, nobody knows. There’s a lot of names there who are circling around.
“My name has been there as well. Let’s see what happens. First of all, on top of the federation, you know, the board and everything, has to be some clarity. At the moment, it’s a disaster what happens there. A lot of people retreated from the job. Nobody knows who’s responsible so that would also be a beginning.”
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No, I’m afraid Ruud would not be good for Oranje at this time. They need someone who has recently been active coaching as they have no time available for planning now. This position would be for someone who must get them into the World Cup now so they must win all their remaining matches and at least draw with France. That’s why I say take a chance with van Gaal – he works well with younger players and is a motivator. If he can be coaxed he at least has the cajones to give it everything to qualify. Long-term position can be decided later. Most of the other possibilities are not available now or are not right for the position at this time. We need a closer to get thos current job done. Also – players smarten up and play all out and start making names for yourselves!!
Oranje must get out of this slump because there are no superstars on the horizon.
MLY62, your thinking fails to see the root causes of the dysfunctionality and problems with Dutch football. The problems with the structures and management of the KNVB have been known for some time. Its political, rigid, conservative, introspective. So called attempts to change have been mere diversions because the powers that be are more concerned with their own influence and power.
You can take a direct line from the top brass to the dutch players around the country and see they are stifled by the approach.
Firstly, the Dutch academies used to be the best. Their strong point was taking young skillful players and bringing tactical awareness and intelligence to their game. The players now reach a level of tactical awareness before they have reached the appropriate skill level. Thus the skill level and awareness (instincts), separate from the tactical, are not developing at the rate it should. The Dutch game has ended up in a cul de sac.
When Dutch teams, national or club, come up against a good defensive set up or a formation to counter the 433 then the attack ends up in a state of paralysis. You can’t pass your way out of everything, at some stage you just have to back up one, two or three players who are going to take on the opposition with their skills and instincts and do things the Dutch players have been taught not to do.
Somewhat paradoxically, the Dutch are ahead of the curve because most European club academies are also over coaching their players with many following the Dutch model. The Dutch have just been doing it longer and are in a better position to change.
Which bring me back to those that are in a position to influence all this. The problem is these are the people who brought us to the cul de sac and its not that easy to shift the power base.
Their shouldn’t be a foreign national coach but at this point in time a few foreign coaches at club level is what’s needed.
The point with Gullit is that he will be more about man management and getting them to believe in their skills and instincts and have a go. The boys can all play, they just need the shackles taken off them. It has to be someone outside the establishment. Yet it has to be Dutch. This important for the soul of it all.
Van Gaal is a great coach but for me at the moment he is best coaching non Dutch players. He would win the world cup with the Brazillians for sure, probably with the Uruguayans. But not right now with our own players.
Yes PV, we know of the KNVB power structure, philosophies, backroom alliances etc…
Sorry, but the point is, Gullit was an excellent player, a great guy and commentator, but his coaching record is not up to par.
He is not a disciplinary manager, and was into the “party lifestyle” (not political!) in Chechnya during his last stint several years ago now. He does not provide the stability required in a top coach. (Frank Rijkaard was a much more stable influence in comparison and much more successful coaching).
We are talking about a five game stretch to achieve qualification + a bonus of playing in the World Cup. If qualification is attained, competing in the World Cup will be reward enough for the coach that gets them there.
Van Gaal HAS gotten the most from his players and thought outside the box as proven in the last World Cup (Kuyt as wingback; Goalkeeper changes for penalties to name a couple of instances). He worked with a team we didn’t expect much from, and they excited us in the finals.
A far different group now, but tournament experience is needed to bundle us through the door.