After a health scare in August, Dutch legend Marco van Basten took the unusual decision to step down as AZ head coach to become the club’s assistant manager. Adam Bate caught up with the three-time Ballon d’Or winner to find out about that decision and more...
They say management is a drug. Those who have it taken from them will talk of ‘taking time out’ and spending it with the family but they soon end up doing it again. Perhaps it’s the pursuit of power. The manager who wants a better job. The assistant who wants to be a manager. The pundit on the television who is just looking for a route back into the game. One last job.
In this environment, it takes a strong man to reveal his vulnerability. But that’s precisely what one of the game’s greats did last autumn. Marco van Basten had been entrusted with the role of head coach at AZ before stress-related issues forced him to re-evaluate. It was Van Basten himself who suggested he take the No 2 role there instead.
I’m more worthwhile to the club now than when I was the first-team coach. I love working with the players. Getting them together and talking about situations.
Marco van Basten on AZ role
Talking to Van Basten this summer, he’s frank about the situation and clearly enjoying his new position at the club. At 50 years old, there are no regrets. “It’s not easy being the first man as a trainer,” Van Basten told Sky Sports. “Now I’m the second man I feel much more comfortable. It’s easier and I prefer it.
“I feel more comfortable in the situation I am in now. I feel I have much more freedom as I have a different responsibility. I’m more worthwhile to the club now than when I was the first-team coach. I love working with the players. Getting them together and talking about situations. That is what I like.”
Passion for coaching
Van Basten’s enduring passion for coaching is obvious. It’s particularly telling that he talks of being able to do more of it now that he’s no longer in charge. It’s reminiscent of the old line from the late Labour MP Tony Benn about quitting the House of Commons so that he could concentrate on politics.
While Benn’s words were part witty aside, part acidic barb, Van Basten almost surprises himself with the irony of the situation. “There is a lot of pressure on the coach that’s for sure,” he agrees. “Twenty-five years ago they seemed to talk a lot more about the players than they did about the coaches. That seems to have changed a little bit.”
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