Derksen: Wiegman lacks top-flight pedigree for Oranje job

In Groeten uit Grolloo, Johan Derksen dismissed the idea of Sarina Wiegman succeeding Ronald Koeman as Netherlands manager as laughable. The panellist argued that Wiegman lacks experience in top-flight football, despite her success with England’s women’s team.

“It’s laughable, stupid and naïve,” Derksen began, addressing Wiegman’s potential appointment. “People want to score points and show they’re progressive. This woman Wiegman does well with the ladies—I won’t deny that—but she’s never dealt with real top football.”

Derksen reserved particular scepticism for women’s football in the Netherlands. “It’s not comparable. As long as a youth team from a decent amateur club beats the Dutch women’s team, we shouldn’t overrate Dutch women’s football. And that’s the level she’s worked at.”

He added that Wiegman cannot relate to managing elite male players. “She can’t put herself in the position of working with top footballers. It would be irresponsible and laughable if she became the Netherlands manager. It would slap every coach in the face—if she can do it, any amateur coach could.”

Derksen insisted a Netherlands manager needs status, achieved both as a player and a coach. “They need to have accomplished something. They should stop this nonsense about Wiegman.”

Hugo Borst previously claimed Wiegman has no interest in the role. “I know from a reliable source—not from her—that Wiegman simply isn’t interested,” Borst said during De Oranjezomer. “She’s perfectly happy in England. She’s not going to make the move to the Netherlands.”