Van Marwijk extends Netherlands commitment
Thursday, December 8, 2011
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Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk said "continuity and calm" were an integral part of his decision to sign a four-year contract extension ahead of the UEFA EURO 2012 finals.
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Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has signed a four-year extension to his contract as his side prepare for the UEFA EURO 2012 finals.
The 59-year-old's current deal was due to expire after next summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine – where the Netherlands will face Denmark, Germany and Portugal in Group B – but he will now continue in the role until after UEFA EURO 2016.
"I really like it with the Dutch national team and that was the foundation on which this extension is based," said the former Feyenoord and Borussia Dortmund boss. "The KNVB and myself agree that continuity and calm surrounding the Oranje is best. That is why we chose to extend for four more years. That way everyone knows what is going to happen."
Van Marwijk, a 2002 UEFA Cup winner with Feyenoord, succeeded Marco van Basten at the Oranje helm after UEFA EURO 2008 and led the Netherlands to the 2010 FIFA World Cup final where they lost 1-0 against Spain. Under Van Marwijk the Dutch have played 45 internationals, winning 31 and losing only four while scoring 97 goals and conceding 33.
