Johan Derksen is annoyed by Nigel de Jong's interview on TV

Johan Derksen delivers a harsh verdict on Nigel de Jong in Greetings from Grolloo. The analyst from Drenthe is astonished by the way the KNVB have handled their search for a new national team manager.

"I was a bit annoyed by Nigel de Jong. He gave his first interview on TV. About the appointment of the national team manager. I don't know whether that man is suitable for that role. Because I have my doubts," Derksen says, making clear he does not think much of the KNVB's director of top-level football.

"Then I see a former footballer sitting there awkwardly in a three-piece suit, with an earring. Then I think: I don't see people on the FIFA board wearing an earring. But all right, I don't want to judge him over an earring," said De Snor, before turning to the search for a new national team manager.

"Then he casually says Guardiola was the first choice. But he couldn't reach him. Then I think: everyone can be reached," Derksen says in disbelief. "There are so many people who have worked with Guardiola and have his number. You can also turn to Manchester City. As the KNVB, you should be able to speak to Guardiola."

"The Italian federation did speak to him, after all. And Arne Slot was the second candidate. He had very long talks with him. But he withdrew, because he wanted to stay in club management. But without De Jong realising it, he says Xavi was third choice. Some nobody they brought in when they no longer knew what to do," Derksen adds.

"And that happens because De Jong, as a former footballer, simply does not understand how publicity works. How the media operate. He and Clarence Seedorf are allowed to decide who becomes the new national team manager for a while. And Seedorf is full of frustrations towards people who worked against him during his career."

Continuing, Derksen says: "Peter Bosz was the dream national team manager, and the most suitable for that role. What is striking is that they had no contact with him at all. And also striking: they only sprang into action when Ronald Koeman said he would stop. But that is not how it works."