Johan Derksen delivers a harsh verdict on Nigel de Jong in Greetings from Grolloo. The analyst from Drenthe is stunned by the way the KNVB handled the search for a new national team manager.
"I was a bit irritated by Nigel de Jong. He gave an interview on TV for the first time. About the appointment of the national team manager. I don't know whether that man is suitable for that role. Because I have my doubts," said Derksen, who has little time for the KNVB's director of top-level football.
"Then I see a former footballer sitting there awkwardly in a three-piece suit, wearing an earring. Then I think: I don't see people on the FIFA board sitting there with an earring. But fine, I don't want to judge him over an earring," said De Snor, before turning to the search for a new national team manager.
"Then he casually says that Guardiola was the first choice. But he couldn't reach him. Then I think: everyone can be reached," Derksen said in astonishment. "There are so many people who have worked with Guardiola and have his number. You can also turn to Manchester City. As the KNVB, you should still be able to speak to Guardiola."
"The Italian federation actually did speak to him. And Arne Slot was the second candidate. He held very long talks with him. But he withdrew, because he wanted to remain in club football. But without De Jong realising it, he is saying that Xavi was third choice. Some nobody they brought in when they no longer knew what to do," Derksen added in disbelief.
"And that happens because De Jong, as a former footballer, simply has no idea how publicity works. How the media are put together. He and Clarence Seedorf are apparently allowed to decide who becomes the new national team manager. And Seedorf is full of frustrations towards people who worked against him during his career."
Derksen continued: "Peter Bosz was the dream national team manager, and the most suitable for that role. What is striking is that they had no contact with him at all. And also striking: they only took action when Ronald Koeman said he would stop. But that's not how it works."