Ronald de Boer pushes KNVB to pair Reiziger with Van Gaal

The Dutch football association (KNVB) is being urged to appoint a coaching tandem consisting of former international Michael Reiziger and veteran manager Louis van Gaal, a view voiced by former Dutch international Ronald de Boer, who knows both coaches well.

Dat vindt Ronald de Boer, die beide coaches goed kent. Reiziger is currently seen as the top candidate to lead the KNVB, and on Sunday an hour‑long discussion took place between the interested parties. The meeting was described as extensive and focused on his potential role.

Louis van Gaal entered the conversation after indicating his availability, but the association does not appear to consider him a viable option at present. Nevertheless, de Boer says he would be willing to work with both coaches.

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“I think it would be wonderful if Louis takes the baton once more and Michael assists him,” de Boer told De Telegraaf. “Then Louis can take the helicopter view and Michael will be responsible for field training.”

“That Van Gaal training Reiziger is exaggerated. But two years under the wing of a top coach like Louis can never be bad, of course,” de Boer added. “If it proves too heavy for Van Gaal, Reiziger can be moved up and there is no need to recruit an entirely new staff.”

Former Hague coach Aad de Mos was also consulted and dismissed the idea of promoting Reiziger to the senior Oranje. “Reiziger is not a logical option for me,” he said, noting the coach’s lack of success with Jong Oranje and a modest impression overall.

He praised Reiziger’s league title with Jong Ajax in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie but criticised his squad choices, citing the exclusion of Mexx Meerdink from the EK squad last year as a poor decision.