Van der Vaart pushes Slot and Bosz as dream coaches after Koeman exit

Former midfielder Rafael van der Vaart says that, following Ronald Koeman’s announcement to leave the Dutch national team after a painful tournament exit, Nigel de Jong should immediately approach Arne Slot and Peter Bosz as the preferred candidates, while he doubts Sarina Wiegman is ready for the men’s job. Koeman confirmed his departure the day after the elimination, and Van der Vaart criticised the decision to change tactics after a solid group‑stage performance, calling it incomprehensible and blaming it for the loss. He made these remarks during the World Cup Evening broadcast. Van der Vaart described Slot and Bosz as his "dream candidates" for the Oranje job, insisting they should be contacted without hesitation. He emphasized that both have proven track records in Dutch football.

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He recalled hearing former striker Youri Mulder suggest Sarina Wiegman for the role, but argued that she is not yet prepared to coach the men’s national side. Van der Vaart said she should first gain experience with a men’s club. According to Van der Vaart, a suitable stepping‑stone could be a team in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie or even the Eredivisie, where she could demonstrate her ability with male players. He added that if things went poorly at Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga, Wiegman might become a candidate there. Concluding, Van der Vaart stressed that Oranje deserves a strong coach and that the players may respect a female manager more than a male one, but he insists the proof must come from success at a men’s club first.