The KNVB's search for a new Netherlands head coach appears to have been delayed by Louis van Gaal's sudden candidacy. According to Mike Verweij, the football association were startled by the 74-year-old coach's public application for a fourth spell in charge of the Netherlands.
Koeman decided not to extend his expiring contract after the elimination at the World Cup, which means director of top-level football Nigel de Jong must move quickly. The Netherlands are already due to face Germany in the Nations League on 24 September.
Several big names have been mentioned in recent times, but Arne Slot, Peter Bosz, Erik ten Hag and even Pep Guardiola do not appear to be available. That pushed Reiziger to the front of the queue, and the current Jong Oranje head coach held talks lasting several hours with De Jong and football commissioner Clarence Seedorf last Sunday.
Then the picture changed when it became clear Van Gaal is also open to a return to the KNVB. Verweij suspects the KNVB had already made their choice internally. "Bringing in Michael Reiziger, who is already employed by the KNVB, and appointing him as head coach, that should be an absolute formality. Because Reiziger naturally very much wants to become head coach, and that also makes sense," the journalist says in the Kick-off podcast of De Telegraaf.
Van Gaal's sudden availability is said to have landed like a bombshell in Zeist. "I think the KNVB really were a little startled by Van Gaal's availability."
"I also find it incredibly strange, by the way, that they did not know that themselves. Because Van Gaal was still the head coach in 2022, and I think he is also one of the people you really could consult in the search for a new head coach. Along with a number of others such as Bert van Marwijk, Dick Advocaat and Guus Hiddink."
Despite that, Verweij says the association still seem intent on promoting Reiziger. "I think the delay is to let the Louis van Gaal 'storm' blow over. Because there has still been no contact with Van Gaal, according to the latest information I have. It certainly has every appearance that they are really going to push ahead with Reiziger."