Poortvliet wants to see an old-style Oranje: “Otherwise, we’ll go home very quickly”
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Former defender Jan Poortvliet wants Ronald Koeman to field an offensive and courageous Dutch team at the next World Cup. Coach of FC Eindhoven and uncle of Jan Paul van Hecke, he defends the “Hollandse School” and believes that playing without emotion would quickly lead to elimination.
Jan Poortvliet, former international and unfortunate finalist of the 1978 World Cup, calls on the Dutch selection to return to their offensive fundamentals. In an interview with Voetbal International, the technician – now coach of FC Eindhoven and uncle of Oranje defender Jan Paul van Hecke – pleads for committed football under the direction of Ronald Koeman.
“Whatever the circumstances, Oranje must remain faithful to the classic ingredients of the Hollandse School,” says Poortvliet. “If the Netherlands don't play, as has been the case recently, I think we will be home very quickly. »
The former full-back does not mince his words on the desired style: “I want to see a Dutch team like in the past. Here we are, we are going to attack, press! No little tactical games. »
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Poortvliet takes the two matches against Spain last year as an example: “Those two matches were by far the best international matches I have seen in years. A treat from start to finish. We should have won. We still know how to play like that. Spain is an ideal opponent, but I think that this way we can hurt everyone. »
He also recalls the journey to the Euro: “During the last Euro, we reached the semi-finals. Was anyone really satisfied? I want football with emotion. Argentina, Spain, temperament, Paris Saint-Germain! We have enough boys used to pressing in their clubs. »
For Poortvliet, a resolutely offensive game would help relieve nervousness: “If you play as I hope, you take the nervousness away from the players. It then transforms into the desire to act. »
Jan Paul van Hecke, present with his uncle during the interview, says he largely agrees but qualifies the statement with regard to the conditions of the World Cup: “I found that we were very good against Spain, a great country. But this World Cup presents completely different conditions. If it's very hot, you can press all the way, but not the entire meeting. The best chance for success is good football, and I believe we can produce it. We have already shown this at times. »