The indefatigable Dick Advocaat has been reappointed as head coach of the Curazao national team in a dramatic turn of events, the Curazao Football Federation (FFK) confirmed during a press conference on Tuesday.
Advocaat (78) resigned from his post in February after leading the Caribbean nation to its first-ever World Cup. The Dutch tactician returned to the Netherlands to care for his seriously ill daughter, with Fred Rutten taking over the role.
After the medical situation improved, speculation about the 78-year-old’s possible return quickly spread. It is understood that most of the senior squad demanded his comeback, while main sponsor Corendon announced its withdrawal after FFK president Gilbert Martina confirmed Friday that Rutten would lead the team at the World Cup.
Martina insisted during Tuesday’s press conference that Corendon’s pressure did not influence his decision.
“The FFK board has always made it clear that the appointment and dismissal of the national coach is the sole responsibility of the board. There has been external pressure, but our decision-making is not affected by it,” the official told the media.
The FFK announced on Monday that it had already terminated its relationship with Rutten.
“A climate that damages healthy professional relationships between players and coaching staff cannot be allowed to arise,” Rutten said in a statement from the federation on social media. “It is sensible to step aside. Time is short, and Curazao must move forward.”
Under Rutten, the small Caribbean nation lost friendlies against China (2-0) and Australia (5-1) in March.
Advocaat’s return was not premeditated, according to Martina. “Advocaat was contacted on Monday to check his availability, only after Fred (Rutten) submitted his resignation on Sunday. Fred’s decision to leave was for a completely different reason,” he said.
Following his resignation in February, Advocaat joined Feyenoord as a special advisor to coach Robin van Persie. The Rotterdam club qualified for the UEFA Champions League by finishing second in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Advocaat will become the oldest head coach in World Cup history when Curazao make their tournament debut against Germany on June 14. Ivory Coast and Ecuador complete Group E.