Ronald de Boer has thrown his support behind Patrick Kluivert as the ideal assistant for new Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez. The former Barcelona team-mates share a close relationship, and De Boer feels Kluivert’s vast experience would give the incoming manager an immediate lift.
Xavi’s preferred assistant manager identified
De Boer has openly called on the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) to appoint Kluivert as assistant manager to new head coach Xavi. The Spanish coach was officially presented on Wednesday as the successor to Ronald Koeman. Xavi is the first foreign manager to lead the Netherlands national team since Ernst Happel.
As he gets ready for the high-pressure job, the process is under way to complete his backroom staff. De Boer believes Kluivert, who earlier worked as an assistant under Louis van Gaal, is the perfect option to help the Spaniard settle into his new environment.
A close connection built at Barcelona
Xavi and Kluivert spent several years together as players at Barcelona, building a strong relationship both on and off the field. De Boer insists that this existing bond is exactly what the new manager requires as he moves into international football.
Speaking to De Telegraaf, De Boer said: “Xavi and Patrick are not just former team-mates, but also good friends. Xavi needs someone on his staff whom he can trust fully, and he trusts Patrick blindly.
“Kluivert speaks Dutch and Spanish, as well as English and French, has already worked as an assistant national team coach under Louis van Gaal, and knows Dutch football well. All of that will eventually help Xavi.”
Diversity and vital communication skills
Apart from their personal friendship, Kluivert’s language skills would be especially useful in the dugout. He is fluent in English, French, Dutch and Spanish, which would allow him to bridge any possible communication gaps inside the dressing room. De Boer also pointed out how Kluivert’s background could have a positive effect on the squad’s dynamics. However, he made it clear that trust remains the main reason for the possible appointment.
“I think the fact that Patrick’s arrival is good for diversity, because the Dutch national team has many players of Surinamese and Antillean descent, is a nice added advantage, but it is not the most important thing,” he added. “The most important thing is that he is someone Xavi can trust.”
Finalising the new coaching set-up
As Xavi starts his tenure, the Dutch federation has already confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooij and Patrick Lodewijks will stay on the coaching staff. The addition of Kluivert would complete a star-studded backroom team for Oranje.
The Spanish head coach will now work closely with the federation hierarchy over the coming days to finalise his technical staff before getting ready for his first round of international fixtures.
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