Van der Vaart backs Koeman’s frustration: ‘I’d react the same way’

Rafael van der Vaart understands Ronald Koeman junior’s frustration over criticism directed at his father, Ronald Koeman senior, during the World Cup. The former Netherlands international, speaking at Het Oranje Café, acknowledged the emotional reaction while also defending his own earlier remarks about the national team coach’s system.

Koeman junior, the goalkeeper for Telstar, publicly criticised those who lacked ‘respect’ for his father after Valentijn Driessen’s comments about the World Cup. The goalie broadened his criticism to include analysts and former players, questioning their consistency in complaining about criticism while doing the same themselves. Koeman junior added, “They’ve all experienced how unpleasant it is, for the family too. But, well, they have to earn a living too.”

Van der Vaart, interviewed by Sportnieuws, responded to Koeman junior’s remarks. “You know how the world works,” he said. “It’s only natural to defend your father. We were only saying that Koeman senior was coaching in the wrong system. That’s how it was.”

The former Oranje-international maintained his stance despite his own post-match criticism of Koeman senior following the World Cup game against Morocco. “Koeman is a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach. This tournament just wasn’t his,” Van der Vaart added. “I understand Koeman junior. If someone said something about my father, I’d give them a piece of my mind too.”