Guus Hiddink has officially started his 2nd spell in charge of the Netherlands national team after he was presented to the press today.
- By Michael Bell
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Hiddink today begins a two-year spell in charge of the Dutch national team, and will guide Netherlands to the Euro 2016 Championships in France, before Danny Blind takes over.
After being introduced by KNVB director Bert van Oostveen, the new coach said, “I am proud to be here a second time. I want to begin with a brief review of the World Cup. And to pay tribute to the people of the team, the players and the staff, led by Louis van Gaal.
“There was a realistic approach used at the World Cup. There is much debate about the Dutch School, which is in my view a comprehensive concept. It’s good for the Dutch football that is performed there. They are again excited about football in our country.”
“I’ve been abroad a lot recently and you can see the Oranje has got a new kick.”
“The Dutch School, attractive, initiative, all fine. But sometimes it is about survival. Abroad, you see that more and more, and also the Oranje in Brazil. They were pleasant and attractive too, but realism can sometimes be quite beautiful. ”
“The great thing is the Dutch school plus the instinct to survive. It brings the brand of Dutch football to greater heights. Another aspect of Dutch school is that there are several generations. This ranges from Van Hanegem / Cruyff to Gullit / Rijkaard / Van Basten, Bergkamp / Kluivert / De Boer to Van Nistelrooy and now Robben and Van Persie. This is something we can be proud of. ”
On his new assistants Ruud van Nistelrooy and Danny Blind, Hiddink added, “I am pleased that many old pros make the transition to coaching.I also discussed with Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Danny Blind that they still gave me another boost.”
“I was enthusiastic to enter this new phase . They do not only learn, but this old man, the other way, I also get a boost from it. Overall, I am excited to start my first day.”
“I am also delighted that Danny has remained and that he will take over soon. He gets a very prominent role.”
Hiddink also stated that Robin van Persie and Pierre van Hooijdonk, who is a Netherlands youth coach, will sit down together and sort out their problems. The two were involved in a feud at the end of the World Cup.
On whether Van Persie would remain Netherlands captain, Hiddink said, “It is too early to comment on technical matters.”
Hiddink’s first game in charge of Netherlands will be a friendly with Italy next month, before he starts his Euro 2016 qualifying campaign against the Czech Republic on the 9th of September.
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