At 76 years old, Guus Hiddink (Varsseveld, The Netherlands, November 8, 1946) has not lost his friendly, kind and humorous character. Neither is the illusion of playing: “On Monday and Wednesday we meet some friends in Amsterdam and we have a party,” he explained to MD. A life close to the ball. First as a footballer and then as a coach. A brilliant career that he has now blessed as a consultant.
Looking back, Guus Hiddink has an endless album of memories. After training at De Graafschap in his first experience on a bench, he succeeded in a PSV team that he made European champions in 1988. That put him on the continental map and opened the doors of Spain for him. First at Valencia, then at Real Madrid and finally at Betis: “Valencia changed my life,” he added nostalgically, knowing how much it marked him.
In the run-up to a league match at the Mestalla against Albacete, on February 9, 1992, Guus Hiddink ordered the Nazi flag removed from the stands. What now seems a natural gesture, then it is something almost revolutionary. The coach’s family was part of the Dutch resistance against the Nazi occupation during World War II: “My father helped shoot down pilots with his friends,” he explained in a Vamos report.
Today, away from the spotlight, he is the president of the association of Dutch coaches and occasionally he comes to PSV sports city to offer a conference or to help the youngest: “Xavi Simons has a bright future ahead of him.” ”, he revealed to MD in this interview where he gives him valuable advice if he wants to continue growing. From a distance, it is noticeable that he keeps intact the illusion of constant attachment to routine.
I think PSV is the club of his life.
It was a great season where I won five league titles, four Dutch Cups and especially the 1988 European Cup. Starting my coaching career in that way was really unusual as it was a great help in every way and brought prestige to my CV. Forgetting those people is impossible and now I help PSV as much as I can when they need me.
The place where you were happiest?
It is impossible to answer that question categorically. In the Netherlands I’m happy, but I’m also happy in Valencia where every now and then I like to go back on vacation to see friends. From Betis, even though it was a short experience, I still have good memories. How not to refer to Real Madrid or Chelsea. However, when I had the best time was when I was a footballer.
Better than a bank?
Colorless. Playing is always better than practicing.
He was European champion with Koeman as a player. Did you think I would be a coach?
In life there are always surprises and players who are not expected to take that step. This is not the case with Koeman. From the first time I let him into the dressing room, I knew that sooner or later he would be sitting on a bench. In the good sense of the word, I used him as my court assistant. A coach usually can’t control everything during a match and having someone you trust inside helps. Koeman is my extension.
Do you think he was mistreated at Barcelona?
Koeman bravely went to Barcelona in a turbulent time for the club, with the pandemic in the middle and with a serious institutional situation. I think his dismissal had more to do with the war between the outgoing and incoming circles than anything else. Despite the fact that the results were not as good as other seasons, he won the Copa del Rey and in his second season he faced the most dramatic management in the history of Barcelona after the departure of Messi.
The demand at Camp Nou is huge and even more so after Barça de Guardiola.
To Koeman it was unfair. It wasn’t the best time to lead Barcelona, $$$$ when you receive an offer like that, you can’t refuse it. This is a once in a lifetime train. The same thing happened to me at Real Madrid. I’ve talked to Ronald, but not about this because I think he’s still in pain.
What do you expect from this new Holland?
Losing against France was tough but it was a reality check. A lesson. Much work remains to be done. Koeman has a good chance of having a good Nations League, which is also played in the Netherlands. I think it will help us to see if we are ready for the task and we can consider if we are among the candidates to win the 2024 Euro Cup. There are experienced players, with elite years in England or Spain who need to step up.
Xavi Simons has to be important in the selection.
I see him often and have met him at some PSV training sessions. I think he has a unique talent, although you have to be patient because at this age it is completely normal to experience ups and downs. In any case, his progress is promising. Playing a few years in the Netherlands could be good for him.
But do you think your future lies in another league?
Of course. The Netherlands is interesting for young people who want to grow up and grow old. This is a perfect place to do it. However, at the age of 25 or 26, it is normal for them to look for other alternatives and move to the Premier League, as in the case of Gakpo, or to other major leagues.
Don’t you recommend going back to PSG?
As long as PSG is managed by big stars, I don’t think Xavi Simons has much room. I don’t recommend it. You are wrong if you want to go back now. I advise you to stay for a few years where you are. At his age, at 19, the important thing is that he participates, feels important, and in Paris I think he will spend too many minutes on the bench.
It’s not an easy place to play. Not for Messi…
I don’t know what he will do in his future and I am not the one to advise him. I can only say that he is the most special footballer I have ever seen. Mbappé is present and future. He understands the need to defend and for me is an important quality because talent alone is not enough to win the Champions League.
Most of his career was in national teams. Do you regret teaching in Russia?
Absolutely. It was an amazing experience that had nothing to do with the disaster we are experiencing today. Between 2006 and 2010 we did a great job, I’m proud of what we all built and the third place at Euro 2008 will stay forever, where Spain eliminated us in the semifinals.
Have you been able to talk to people since then?
I’ve been in touch with friends and some players and I’m proud of their reaction to everything that’s going on.
Have you met Putin?
No, we never met. In any case, it cannot be generalized. It is unfair to judge the entire Russian people for the barbarism initiated by Putin. It has nothing to do with the many citizens who are hospitable and good people.
His social commitment has always been applauded. In Valencia, he removed the Nazi flag from the Mestalla 30 years ago.
It comes from my soul. It is inconceivable that there is a swastika in the Mestalla. Last year, the Corts Valencianes recognized me for the gesture I made before a league match against Albacete. It was a fun day, with friends. I am grateful and happy to have worked in Spain.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
