After Frank Rijkaard, the KNVB also received a rejection from Peter Bosz in the search for a new national coach. The Algemeen Dagblad writes on Monday morning that the search is not necessarily for a clear profile, but that it is mainly about a ‘desirable compromise’. For several reasons, Louis van Gaal and Henk ten Cate would not be among the ideal candidates to become the new national coach of the Dutch national team.

The Telegraph already reported on Friday that Rijkaard had said ‘no’ to the KNVB. The former national was last working as a trainer in 2013 and hinted several times that he did not want to return to football. According to the Algemeen Dagblad the union was ‘just as soon ready’ at Bosz. The practice master still has a ‘continuous and lucrative’ contract with Bayer Leverkusen and an interim departure is unmentionable for the German club management.

The name of Ten Cate has also been explicitly mentioned lately, as the players of the Dutch National Team would have mentioned him as their new national coach. By the way, this was already denied by Marten de Roon and based on insiders, it is now reported that the 65-year old practice master is not an option for the KNVB for ‘characterological reasons’. Doubts were said to exist about the reliability of Ten Cate, who in 2017, for example, had a journalist listen in on job interviews for the national football association.

At Van Gaal, both the ‘immediate surroundings of the Dutch national team’ and the top of the KNVB fear that he wants to leave his mark too much. After discussions with players, league staff and staff members, they came to the conclusion that there should be a national coach that builds on Ronald Koeman’s line. Players like Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Virgil van Dijk want a big ‘own responsibility’ within the selection, and therefore a so-called ‘people manager’ and less a ‘compelling coach who pulls the reins tight’.

However, it is argued that the top of the KNVB has put itself under pressure, as the players have ‘indirectly gained power’. Approaching Van Gaal in this way would be ‘diametrically opposed’ to the wishes of some players, although there are also supporters within the selection. It is also feared that the former national coach will want to gain a ‘wider influence’ within the KNVB, which is something the management does not like. The Algemeen Dagblad concludes that the new national coach will not only be a third or fourth choice, but also a ‘tolerant coach’: a compromise with which everyone can live.