Guus Hiddink officially took over as football coach of the Netherlands on Friday and promised to build on the good work done by predecessor Louis van Gaal, who took the Oranje to third place at the World Cup.
“There will not be many changes,” said Hiddink at a press conference as he returned for his second spell in charge of Holland after a three-year stint in the 1990s, in which he led them to the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup.
He indicated that Robin van Persie is likely to remain as captain and that Arjen Robben will probably continue in his role as vice-captain.
Hiddink’s contract runs through to the end of the 2016 European Championship in France, after which he will be replaced by current assistant Danny Blind.
His other assistant will be former national striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
“I felt great enthusiasm on starting my first official day of work today,” added Hiddink, who praised his new charges for their excellent showing at the World Cup in Brazil, when their only defeat came on penalties to Argentina in the semi-finals.
“First and foremost, bravo to the team, both the players and the technical staff who worked under Louis van Gaal,” he said.
Van Gaal, who is now in charge at Manchester United, had been widely criticised by the Dutch press prior to the World Cup as they accused him of turning his back on the traditional Dutch style of attacking football.
But his new counter-attacking system, with three central defenders, took Holland further than expected after they began their campaign with a stunning 5-1 victory against the holders Spain.
Hiddink indicated that he wished to keep faith in the ‘Dutch school’ while also hoping to maintain the “instinct of survival” instilled in the team by van Gaal.
The 67 year old also took South Korea to fourth place at the 2002 World Cup before spells in charge of Russia, Turkey and Australia.
He had been out of coaching work since leaving Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala in July last year.
magila cutty
Guest
Hiddink absolutely lost me when he sent chelsea out to play that utterly cynical game v Barca in UCL semi. They lost anyway.
j binnie
Guest
Batou -It may be being cynical but don't you feel our National Director(s) would have had some input into the selection of our National Coaches over the last 6 years hence the employment of two almost "unknowns " into the job in Verbeek and Osiek.Suddenly the scenario has changed and almost as soon as AP is selected HB let's us know he is leaving his post with the FFA and going to an HAL club.There has been an incredible silence into that matter from the high places,has there not????? What you keep implying is that the employment of a "national' as coach is a widespread practice among the "World Cup level" countries,when in fact you know that that is only "common" accepted practice among the really top nations who usually have really top managers to choose from. Cheers jb
Batou
Guest
Yes we have appointed a local. But we aren't just copying the Dutch there, it is standard practice for most world cup level countries. I do think that the lack of any long term managers is interesting. You could say we are taking a different approach there though as Ange has been appointed through to the end of the next world cup.
j binnie
Guest
Brian- I think you missed the point. It appears the "plan" the Dutch have is that a national coach does not stay in the job too long,usually having a 4 year tenure to get them to and perform in a World Cup.Hiddink has also been there before so there does not appear to be a restriction on any coach being asked back for another term,but it is noticeable that there has not been anyone in the position for more than the apparent 4 year term. Your point about not qualifying under Van Gaal (and you could have added Michels) has nothing to do with what was being discussed. Cheers jb
j binnie
Guest
Batou - All correct but I think the answer to my question would then be "YES" , we have finally appointed an Australian coach after having in recent times given the World Cup qualification to an Englishman,Dutchmen and a German. Cheers jb
Brian
Guest
Van Gaal also coach ed the Dutch in 2002 and failed to make the World Cup. It can hardly be said to be a plan that he failed and was then bought back in 2014. Its more that despite having great sides they somehow did not qualify in 1986 and 2002.
Batou
Guest
That's hardly unique to the Dutch jb. I believe that every world cup winner has been coached by a national of that country and Italy, France, Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Spain have never(?) been coached by a foreigner at a world cup. I'm not completely certain of that, but I am certain that as a rule the strong football nations don't have foreign coaches. So I think that answer to your question is 'no'
j binnie
Guest
Don't know if any of out regular commenters have noticed but there appears to be "method" in Holland when it comes to selecting coaches.Since 1950 there has been 17 World Cups played and Holland have appeared at 8 of those, with a different coach in charge on every occasion,1974 Michels,78 Happel,90 Beenhacker,94 Advocaat,98 Hiddink, 06 Van Basten, 10 Van Marwijk 14 Van Gaal. Now we have Hiddink back again and it looks like his successor or successors have already been named in Blind and Van Nistelroy. Now it will also be noted that out of the ten coaches named all,with one exception Happel,are all Dutch in nationality so with the appontment some months ago of our own Ange Postecoglou is this another Dutch influence we are to adopt.????Food for thought jb
oli
Guest
Best move ever for Hollands' football, Hiddink's by far the best Dutch coach around. He's a man of action, no babbler!
Tom
Guest
Holland only has a population of 17 million. Compare that to the other frequent WC winners. Germany 82 million, Italy 61 million, Brazil 200 million, Argentina 41 million. I believe the opposite. I believe the mental toughness is the main reason why the Dutch go so far frequently.
Kasey
Guest
The Dutch have a great 'system' of identifying and nurturing talent, there will be a 'new' Robben by 2018. I remember Hiddink saying once he wished he could meld Aussie heart/self belief with Dutch technical ability. Can you imagine an Aussie refusing to take a penalty as happened in the semi final vs Argentina? I fear the Dutch will always remain the nearly-men of world football until something is done about their fragile minds under the pressure of tournament football. I believe Germany are yet to lose a penalty shoot out in a World Cup. No wonder they have 4 stars above the crest on their shirt and the Dutch none.
Brian
Guest
I feel there could be a downward spiral coming with Robben into his 30s. To a lesser extent this also goes for Sneider & Van Persie. They might still give a good showing in 2016 but 2018 I wouldn't expect much.