Seedorf’s turbulent coaching path spans China, Spain and Milan
In a modest office at Corinthians’ training ground, Clarence Seedorf watches the Brazilian side trail sixteen points behind the leaders, a stark reminder of the former Dutch midfielder’s rocky transition from star player to manager. The image of Seedorf, credited to NurPhoto via Getty Images, captures a man whose coaching résumé reads like a series of missed opportunities across China, Spain and AC Milan.
First Dutch coach in Serie A
Seedorf was appointed head coach of AC Milan on 16 January 2014, succeeding Massimiliano Allegri. Three days later he became the first Dutch manager to lead a Serie A side, guiding Milan to a 1‑0 victory over Hellas Verona. Despite a memorable 1‑0 win against rivals Inter, Milan finished the season eighth and failed to qualify for European competition. After 22 matches, Seedorf was dismissed on 9 June 2014.
Chinese experiment with Shenzhen Xiangxue
In the summer of 2016 Seedorf took charge of Shenzhen Xiangxue, a second‑tier club in China, with promotion as the stated aim. The team occupied seventh place at the time of his arrival. Over 13 games only three were won and the side slipped to ninth place before his tenure ended.
KNVB considers measures now that Clarence Seedorf coaches Corinthians
Spanish misfire at Deportivo La Coruña
February 2018 saw Seedorf move to Spain to try to keep Deportivo de La Coruña in the top flight. The club was already struggling, and under his guidance they managed just two wins from 16 matches, sealing an inevitable relegation.
Brief African stint and Brazilian setbacks
Seedorf’s next role was as head coach of Cameroon, assisted by former teammate Patrick Kluivert. After a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, where Cameroon exited in the second round, the duo were dismissed. He then accepted the Corinthians job, where the side suffered a 4‑1 defeat to arch‑rivals Palmeiras and sit sixteenth in the Brazilian league.
Beyond the touchline
Since 27 July 2023 Seedorf has served on the KNVB’s supervisory board, overseeing football‑technical matters. He has also acted as an adviser to Iran’s Esteghlal FC and to Suriname, helping the South‑American nation chase World Cup qualification, a goal that ultimately proved elusive.
“Prepare yourself,” Silvio Berlusconi told Seedorf, a warning the Dutchman later recalled when speaking to The Coaches Voice. “And see if you can find a few talents in Brazil for AC Milan.”