Former star wants Van Persie as Netherlands coach
Collected Photo
The Netherlands’ former midfielder Hedwiges Maduro has proposed former star striker Robin van Persie as the country’s next head coach. In an interview with Sportnieuws, he said appointing Van Persie with an experienced coach by his side could be an excellent decision.
According to Maduro, current leading candidate Michael Reiziger is not the best choice for the job.
“It is difficult to say whether it will be successful. If an interim coach is appointed, I think Ruud van Nistelrooy has more potential. He is a major figure in the Netherlands and is already part of the national team’s coaching staff.”
Maduro then brought up a relatively less discussed name.
“I have not heard Van Persie’s name mentioned yet. He could easily be given the role as the face of the team, and Dick Advocaat could be by his side. It has already been proven that the two of them work very well together.”
Maduro believes Van Persie would be able to implement his philosophy more effectively with the national team.
“With the national team, Van Persie will have the opportunity to work with the best players. His football philosophy is also suited to players of that quality.”
Meanwhile, Arne Slot was among the contenders for the position of Netherlands Football Federation (KNVB) coach. However, the Liverpool coach currently wants to focus on club football and is not interested in taking charge of the national team.
Speaking about Slot, Maduro said, “At this moment, he should remain at his club. He is still a top level coach and has the hunger to prove himself elsewhere. He is a development coach, and working on the training ground every day is his greatest strength.”
Ronald Koeman left his position as head coach at the end of June after the Netherlands were eliminated in the last 16 of the World Cup. Since then, the Dutch side has been searching for a new coach.
