Bert van Marwijk may have led Saudi Arabia to the 2018 World Cup but he will not coach them in Russia after being replaced by Edgardo Bauza.
- By Michael Bell
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Marwijk’s deal with Saudi Arabia ended after the qualifiers, and he was in talks over extending his contract, but after failing to reach an agreement he has been replaced by Bauza.
According to VI, talks between van Marwijk and the Federation broke down over financial agreements and also a new rule which would have required the coach to live in Saudi Arabia at least 23 days a month. Van Marwijk would have also needed to ask for permission if he ever wanted to leave the country.
Van Marwijk is quoted by VI saying, “I would like to go to the World Cup, because that’s why I started this job two years ago. But I do not let anyone tell me how to do my job exactly.
“It appears that success has many fathers. After the World Cup (qualification), I notice that many people suddenly want to interfere with the national team and also want to talk about it. It’s a pity that it has to be true, especially for the regular group of players we have been able to work with the past two years. Those players have approached me from all sides to stay, but I have no choice. Every coach must have the freedom to determine his own method. ”
Saudi Arabia booked their place in the World Cup last week with a 1-0 win over Japan. It’s their first World Cup since 2006.
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Such a pity for him. For me he has done an excellent job with Saudi. Everyone remembers of how he swiftly guided Oranje for the South Africa 2010 WC and allmost won it. Everyone remembers how the the whole of Holland especially Amsterdam celebrated on their return …as if Oranje actually won the WC.He not only improved the qualities of attacking but also improved defensively…and that Oranje need the most.
It is time for him now to take back Oranje for a second time and I have every confidence of his success.