Frank de Boer and Phillip Cocu are to return to the Netherlands national team as assistants to Bert van Marwijk, the man who will succeed Marco van Basten after UEFA EURO 2008™.
Coaching lineup
The two former Dutch internationals will join third assistant Dick Voorn and current goalkeeping coach Ruud Hesp to complete the managerial team that will look to lead the Netherlands to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa. "I am happy with this set-up," said the 55-year-old Van Marwijk. "I think it is important that Frank and Phillip played almost 220 international matches between them. As players they took responsibility and will certainly do that again."
De Boer pedigree
Capped 112 times for the Netherlands, the 37-year-old De Boer played for AFC Ajax, FC Barcelona, Galatasaray AS and Rangers FC among others but retired from the national team after UEFA EURO 2004™. Second only to goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar in terms of Netherlands appearances, he will combine his new position with his role coaching Ajax's youth teams. He has been working with the Amsterdam club since 2006/07.
Cocu credentials
Former De Graafschap, AZ Alkmaar, BV Vitesse Arnhem and PSV Eindhoven midfielder Cocu, also 37, is the third most capped Dutch international of all time with 101 caps. The former Netherlands captain retired from international football after the 2006 FIFA World Cup and will take on his duties while studying on the professional football coaching course next season, with a view to gaining a formal coaching qualification.
Exciting challenge
Van Marwijk – who won the 2001/02 UEFA Cup as Feyenoord coach – added: "It is a huge challenge to be able to work with the nation's best players. For 35 years I have been on the pitch every day as a player and coach. Now it is time for something different. It is a huge responsibility and I might get some stick but I am really looking forward to it." The Dutch face France, Italy and Romania in Group C at UEFA EURO 2008™, and will meet Scotland, Norway, F.Y.R. Macedonia and Iceland in World Cup qualifying Group 9.
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