Mulders champion an unconventional pick: Sarina Wiegman for Oranje

Jan Mulder and his son Youri Mulder have put forward Sarina Wiegman as a candidate to replace Ronald Koeman as head coach of the Dutch national team, following Koeman's announcement on Tuesday 30 June that he will leave his post. Their suggestion comes as the Netherlands prepares for its next coaching cycle and has already sparked discussion among football insiders. Youri Mulder explained that his father introduced the "out of the box" idea originally suggested by Ron Jans, and he raised the possibility of Wiegman during a post‑match interview after the France‑Sweden game on . He said, "If I also go in that direction, not following a paved path, then maybe Sarina Wiegman is an option. Or is that very strange? I think it is not that strange." Jan Mulder responded enthusiastically, calling Wiegman "a very good candidate" and adding, "I vote for her." His endorsement underscores the father‑son duo's confidence in the former women's national team coach.

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When asked whether there is a difference between men's and women's football, Youri Mulder answered plainly, "Men's football is not totally different from women's football, it is simply the same sport practiced by a different gender." Youri Mulder, currently technical director of Schalke 04, said he would also be open to appointing Wiegman at the German club. He noted that he could hold a conversation with a female candidate for the Schalke coaching role, asking rhetorically, "Why not?"

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He recalled first meeting Wiegman while working with the KNVB's Under‑16 and Under‑17 squads, when she was the women's national team coach and he served as a striker trainer. "I only knew her from the moment I was with the Under‑16 and Under‑17 at the KNVB," he said, recalling that period. Mulder praised Wiegman's track record, citing her success, clear vision, defined playing idea, and structured approach to managing a group—qualities he believes are also valued at the KNVB. He concluded that these attributes make her a viable option for both the Dutch national team and Schalke 04.