Rijkaard is cool on Dutch job

Published on 29/06/2012 00:00

Frank Rijkaard has no interest in managing the Netherlands for the time being, according to the former defender’s agent.

Rijkaard is one of several men who have been linked with the vacant post after Bert van Marwijk stepped down from his role on Wednesday night following a disappointing Euro 2012 in which Oranje were knocked out at the group stage without earning a single point.

But Perry Overeem has stated Rijkaard remains dedicated to his head coach duties with Saudi Arabia, who were knocked out of the 2014 World Cup qualifying stages in round three. “Frank’s contract runs until the end of 2013,” Overeem told the Dutch press.

“Saudi Arabia can no longer qualify for the World Cup of 2014, but there is more to do.”

Rijkaard began his coaching career with the Netherlands in 1998, having worked as an assistant to Guus Hiddink, and guided the side to the semi-finals of Euro 2000, where they were knocked out by Italy on penalties.

The 49-year-old led Barcelona to two Primera Division titles and the Champions League in 2006 during his five-year tenure from 2003 to 2008, but also had forgettable spells with Sparta Rotterdam and Turkish outfit Galatasaray. “I understand that many people now think Frank,” added Overeem. “But it is now completely irrelevant. Perhaps it would be different if Saudi Arabia wanted to end his contract but that’s also irrelevant.”

Other candidates to succeed Van Marwijk include Ronald Koeman, Ruud Gullit, Frank de Boer, Hiddink, Louis van Gaal and Co Adriaanse.

The chairman of the Dutch FA (KNVB), Bert van Oostveen, has already indicated that whoever steps into Van Marwijk’s shoes must be Dutch, ruling out FC Twente and former England manager Steve McClaren.

When asked whether he would look to appoint a foreign coach, Van Oostveen said: “It would be a travesty for the image of our national football.”