BY Victor Akhidenor
Danny Blind has been appointed as Netherlands coach after the resignation of Guus Hiddink.
The former Sparta Rotterdam, Ajax and Netherland defender was working as Hiddink’s assistant, but following the 68-year-old’s decision to quit on Monday after just 10 months in charge, he has been promoted.
“We are pleased that, after the departure of Guus Hiddink, we have quickly – and in-house – found a suitable successor. We wish Danny, along with his staff, every success,” Bert van Oostveen, Dutch Football Association director, said.
The Dutch are currently third in their UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying group, after two defeats in their opening six matches, behind Iceland and the Czech Republic, but Blind, 53, is determined to turn things around.
“I’m going along with staff and players to work hard to qualify for the European Championships next year,” he said.
“That’s my only goal: get to the European Championships. Now I do not look back, just reaching the European Championship counts.”
Blind, who won 42 caps during a 20-year playing career, also managed Ajax. He will assume his new role on August 1st.
The Netherlands face a crucial match at home to Iceland on their return to action in September, immediately followed by a trip to Turkey.
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