Patrick Kluivert was in the running to become the national coach of a World Cup participant, but had hoped for the KNVB
Patrick Kluivert was in the frame to become Senegal's new head coach, Mike Verweij says on the Kick-off podcast by De Telegraaf. The 50-year-old from Amsterdam was also under consideration to become assistant coach of the Netherlands national team, so he did not respond to Senegal's interest. Senegal ultimately appointed Patrick Vieira.
Two weeks ago, after a long search, it was announced that Xavi Hernández is the new head coach of the Netherlands national team. His assistants have now also been confirmed: Sergio Alegre, Óscar Hernández, Ruud van Nistelrooij and Adil Ramzi.
Verweij brands the whole process around appointing the Netherlands' technical staff a 'kindergarten'. "Through intermediaries, the KNVB also indicated to Patrick Kluivert that he was a leading candidate to become assistant coach. But he was also under consideration to become Senegal head coach," Verweij says.
"But he let that pass because he was waiting for a call from Nigel de Jong. I think Patrick Kluivert was better suited than Ruud van Nistelrooij. But whether you take him or not: that is Nigel de Jong's choice. He is in charge of that, and that is fine. But then at least have the decency to give someone a call."
He is also surprised by the choice of Van Nistelrooij. "You can also choose not to bring someone into your staff who has the same agent as you. That agent cannot be blamed for putting Ruud van Nistelrooij forward. That is Rodger Linse, not coincidentally also Nigel de Jong's agent."
"That is just very strange. Because based on what Ruud van Nistelrooij has achieved with the Netherlands national team: under Guus Hiddink and Danny Blind they failed to qualify for Euro 2016, in 2021 it was not a great success under Frank de Boer, and now with Ronald Koeman."
Verweij then adds another anecdote. "Because I was also called this morning by a number of people. These are people around the Netherlands national team. And first of all: Ronald Koeman decides the line-up. But Virgil van Dijk and Ruud van Nistelrooij argued for five defenders against Morocco."
"So his input at the World Cup led to the Netherlands' elimination. Nigel de Jong knows that, and still chooses Ruud van Nistelrooij. Probably because he has the same agent."
