Curaçao are set to reappoint 78-year-old Dick Advocaat just 33 days before their World Cup opener after coach Fred Rutten resigned amid reports of turmoil behind the scenes.
Dick Advocaat plans to return to Curacao (Image: ANP via Getty Images)
Dick Advocaat is reportedly set to return to Curacao as manager in the weeks before the World Cup. Mr Advocaat resigned from his post in February to care for his sick daughter, but a dramatic turn of events forced him to make a U-turn.
The 78-year-old helped the Dutch Caribbean nation become the smallest state to qualify for the prestigious tournament, which will be held in November. The veteran boss’ return follows problems behind the scenes under his successor Fred Rutten.
Rutten resigned as coach on Monday. “There must not be a climate that undermines healthy professional relationships within teams and staff,” Rutten said. “That is why resigning is the right decision. Time is running out and Curaçao must move forward. I am disappointed in the way things have unfolded, but I wish everyone the best.”
De Telegraaf newspaper reports that significant personnel changes will follow, with Rutten being invited back under threat before Advocaat and his long-time assistant Ko Pott return. A recent training camp in Australia was “suboptimal”, raising major concerns about the upcoming World Cup.
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Curaçao, with a population of just 150,000, will be placed in Group E against Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast. There are only 33 days left until the opening game against Germany in Houston.
“The Football Federation (FFK) has announced that, following constructive discussions with the federation’s leadership, Fred Rutten has decided to resign as head coach of the Curaçao national team,” a statement on Monday said.
“While Rutten himself was not a subject of discussion, he has chosen to resign in order to protect stability and healthy professional relationships within the team and staff.
“FFK praised Rutten’s professionalism, leadership and commitment to Curaçao football, stressing that he is putting the team’s interests ahead of his own ahead of important upcoming matches.
Fred Rutten resigns as Curaçao head coach (Image: William WEST / AFP via Getty Images)
“The FFK Board will decide on the next steps today. The federation is currently focused on maintaining calm around the national team and continuing to strengthen towards Curaçao’s sporting ambitions.”
Advocaat is reported to be returning due to his daughter’s improved health. However, his return came as a result of dissatisfaction within the team with his leadership under his predecessor Rutten. Meetings with Gilbert Martina, president of the Curaçao Football Federation, ended after it became clear that there was support for Advocaat’s return.
Speaking about his decision to retire earlier this year, the Dutchman said: “I have always said that my family comes before football, so this is a natural decision.”
“Having said that, I will very much miss Curacao, its people and my colleagues. I consider qualifying for the World Cup with the smallest country in the world to be one of the highlights of my career. I am proud of the players, staff and board members who believed in us.”
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