Frank Rijkaard’s early vision: attractive football for Euro 2000
In the autumn of 1998, 36‑year‑old Frank Rijkaard gave his first major interview as national team coach, reflecting on Oranje’s recent 2‑0 victory over Peru and 0‑0 draw with Ghana, and outlining the ultimate aim of peaking at EURO 2000, which the Netherlands would co‑host with Belgium.
The conversation was conducted by VI's journalist Frans van den Nieuwenhof, featured in the VI Tijdmachine series that regularly republishes archival stories. VIIn and VI are credited as the platform, and the piece is catalogued under the label NieuwenhofJournalist. The archive entry notes the interview’s original broadcast time as 06:00.
Rijkaard stressed that the European Championship is the definitive target, saying, “Het EK is het uiteindelijke doel en ik zie iedere wedstrijd met veel beleving tegemoet.” He added that each match, past and future, forms the core of a coach’s process, with Euro 2000 constantly in the back of his mind.
When asked whether attractive football matters, Rijkaard replied, “In Nederland is aantrekkelijk voetbal altijd van belang. Zo is onze cultuur, daar houden we allemaal van en dat moet ik respecteren.” He linked style to national identity.
Rijkaard, noting his Italian background, said he would not abandon it, but aims to combine functional and attractive play, describing it as “tactiek” and an “oude vraag: aantrekkelijk of resultaat.” He believes good, attractive football ultimately leads to results.
He referenced his years in Italy, stating, “Ben ik niet met je eens. AC Milan speelde zeer aantrekkelijk voetbal.” The comment underscored his belief that Dutch football can emulate the flair he observed abroad.
The interview juxtaposes Rijkaard’s early ambition for a stylish national side with the concrete goal of Euro 2000 success, revealing a coach determined to blend aesthetic values with competitive objectives as the tournament approached.