Dwight Lodeweges will take control of the Dutch national team for the upcoming Nations League ties with Italy and Poland but is not expecting the position on a permanent basis.

The KNVB appointed Lodweges as interim head coach after Ronald Koeman’s departure to take over at Barcelona.

However, speaking at his press conference on Monday, Lodeweges stated he is not expecting the job permanently, “I will be here for the coming period until a solution has been found. Someone else is going to come, at least that is the intention. It would be great if that could be done as soon as possible, but it is important that the KNVB does not get to work too quickly. They have to get the right man.”

Virgil van Dijk was also present at the press conference and stated he is happy that the players have been allowed to express their opinion, “That meeting had already been planned, but now it was about the current situation. You are then very open with each other. It was a light and honest conversation, but ultimately it is up to the management. It is important that they know what we think about it, I assume that they will take that into account in the decision.”

Louis van Gaal is a name being put forward at the moment. Van Dijk: “I’ve never worked with him, so I can say very little about that. I have not mentioned his name personally. That does not alter the fact that Van Gaal has meant a lot to Dutch football, so it is logical that his name is mentioned in the media. It is important to us that there is clarity quickly.”

Lodeweges added, “Van Gaal is of course a great professional, with a great track record. But I don’t know who the KNVB will choose. I also have my preferences, but that is not important at all. If the KNVB opts for a national coach who will bring 28 of their own assistants, it is also good.”




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