Van der Vaart backs Arne Slot yet urges broader staff power

Former Dutch midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, a 2010 World Cup finalist, says the Netherlands national team needs fresh impetus and that the departure of head coach Ronald Koeman gives the KNVB a chance to appoint a manager who adheres more closely to the traditional Dutch playing style, naming Arne Slot as a preferred candidate. The Dutch national side is described as lacking new elan. The exit of Ronald Koeman as head coach opens a vacancy. Rafael van der Vaart, who reached the 2010 World Cup final with Oranje, wrote a column on the matter. In the piece he argues the KNVB can now select a manager who respects the Dutch football identity.

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Van der Vaart specifically points to Arne Slot as a coach who could embody that philosophy. He believes Slot would be more faithful to the traditional Dutch playing style than recent appointments. However, he cautions that a single head coach is insufficient. He calls for additional “power” from other figures surrounding the coach in the new staff.

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“With him alone you are not there, more must happen,” van der Vaart wrote. The quote underscores his demand for a broader support structure. The KNVB now faces the task of assembling a coaching team that balances Slot’s tactical vision with extra authority. How the federation responds will shape the Netherlands’ approach ahead of upcoming competitions.