According to De Telegraaf Netherlands boss Guus Hiddink is set to resign as the national team coach, allowing Danny Blind to step into the role.
- By Spencer Steevensz
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From the 2-0 loss to Italy following Holland’s third place performance at last year’s World Cup, there have been doubts Hiddink would be the man in charge at the Euro 2016 Finals next summer. Some performances have been so poor there was question whether or not the Netherlands would even be competing at all with the Dutch side sitting third in their qualifying group behind the Czech Republic and Iceland.
The KNVB had always planned for Hiddink to lead Oranje to France in 2016 and Blind to take over for the World Championship’s in Russia two years later. However the KNVB, Hiddink, and Blind all seem to agree that this summer is a better time for Blind to take the reins.
On the subject, KNVB director Bert Van Oosteren said to De Telegraaf, “If Hiddink and Blind are ready, the time is right for the KNVB,” before stressing the main goal is qualification for the Euro 2016 final tournament.
It is not clear yet whether Hiddink will stay on in an advisory role, but all will be decided when the coach meets up with Van Oosteren to review his position next month.
It is ABOUT TIME….!!!!!
Hooray….!!!!
I did assume Netherlands had a strong succession plan when I was watching the 2014 world cup. It looked perfect. Van Gaal was guiding the Orange through the tournament and surpassing expectations of the betting public. With an under rated team approaching their potential. Those who love Dutch football knew we had the firepower to win the world cup. All that was required was a manager with the intelligence and the proverbial “bollocks” to unite the team, make bold decisions, and instill the players with belief that they could and indeed deserve to win the world cup after the defeat of 2010.
We saw Lewis Van Gaal perform this role and nearly become successful.
What saddens me about the Oranje is the all to familiar “stumble at the final hurdle” scenario which we are all too accustomed to. We accept it all too easily. The great Dutch players stumble at the final step. they are good enough to win the world cup. Louis Van Gaal took us close bit again we had to be resigned ti runners up. WHY? We all know why. Confidence and self belief that we deserve, can win, OWN the tournament. This story played out to a song. A strong start beating Spain with such power the world took note. All of a sudden the Orange was the buzz team in Brazil. Playing attacking beautiful football with the players freely showing their skill. What happened next. win after win the Orange became more conservative. More defensive. Slowly letting go of total football to play it safe. and where did that get us. To third place. true belief and brave play would have seen Holland raise the 2014 world cup. but conservative play, caution and yes…fear put the brakes on the Brazil of Europe from winning in 2014.
It is the same with the manager situation. Louis Van Gaal had Blind at his side through the 2014 work cup. At the end of the 2014 worl cup Blind had the experience, the passion and the knowledge to take the manager mantle of the Oranje. To take Louis Van Gaal’s momentum and push the Oranje forward into the elite of world football. what happened? Those in charge took the safe option. Chose the conservative option and put Guus Hidink in charge instead of being brave and giving the team to Blind. Blind earned the chance to march forward and build on Van Gaal’s foundation. Once again the Mighty Oranje went into its shell. The time to be brave is over due. I just hope it’s not too late. Go Blind. Hup Holland Hup
Oranje Fan 4eva Says:
June 15, 2015 at 02:11
Simply the coach have to go. Due since his appt…oranje status and performance is declining …he has lost his touch and its time to promote his assistant or appoint one of our bright young proven ex-international manager
I am Dutch fan long time so I prefer neither hidding or blind not to ‘be Dutch coach so either Cocou koeman De Boer