Ex Rangers & Sunderland boss resigns as head coach of tiny Caribbean Island nation four months before World Cup
Legendary Dutch boss described as a ‘football icon’ has stepped down from the role for personal reasons after overseeing historic World Cup qualification
Former Rangers and Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat will NOT be leading Curaçao in their first appearance at a World Cup finals after stepping down from his head coach role due to personal reasons.
The legendary Dutchman guided the tiny Caribbean Island nation through a historic qualification process last year and was set to create another slice of history by becoming the oldest manager in the tournament’s history, aged 78.
Advocaat has described leading Curaçao, which has a population of around 150,000, to a World Cup final as the “craziest thing” he had achieved in a managerial career that spans nearly four decades.
However, Dutch media reported on Monday that he has resigned because of his daughter’s health. It means they country’s football federation will have a new head coach in charge for their friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park on May 30.
“I have always said that family comes before football,” Advocaat stated. “So this is a self-evident decision. But, of course, that doesn’t change the fact that I’m going to miss Curaçao, the people there and my colleagues very much.
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“I consider qualifying the smallest nation in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career. I am proud of my players, staff and board members who believed in us.”
Advocaat, who has managed the Netherlands three times as well as Belgium, Serbia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq and South Korea on the international stage, spent two years in charge of Curaçao. Unbeaten over six qualifiers, they reached their first-ever finals by topping their CONCACAF group ahead of Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Bermuda.
A statement released by Gilbert Martina, president of the Curaçao FF, read: “His decision commands nothing but respect. Dick has made history with our national team. Curaçao will always remain grateful to him.”
Advocaat will be replaced by his compatriot Fred Rutten, a former Oranje defender who has previously managed PSV, Anderlecht, Feyenoord and Schalke 04.
Commenting on his appointment, Rutten stated: “It is a difficult time for Dick and I wish him and his family strength. Dick is an icon in world football. It is truly an honour to continue his work. I have spoken extensively with him and his staff and will continue along the same path. Curaçao can expect the same dedication and commitment from me.”
Curaçao begin their World Cup campaign with a Group E match against Germany in Houston on 14 June. They will visit Scotland in the build up to the tournament as part of their final preparations.