Derksen questions KNVB decision to overlook Van Bommel for Oranje

Johan Derksen has questioned why the KNVB did not appoint Mark van Bommel as Netherlands head coach following Ronald Koeman’s departure. Speaking on Vandaag Inside, the pundit argued that Van Bommel would have been a better choice than Xavi Hernández, according to FCUpdate.

The KNVB needed a new coach after Oranje’s early World Cup exit. Director of top football Nigel de Jong reportedly placed Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot at the top of his list, but neither was interested. Michael Reiziger and Xavi then came under consideration, with the former Barcelona coach ultimately taking charge.

Xavi has collected two wins and two draws from his opening four Nations League matches. The Netherlands defeated Serbia twice and shared the points with Germany and Greece. Derksen nevertheless highlighted Van Bommel’s impact with Belgium, asking: “Why didn't the KNVB pick him?” He also suggested Xavi may still be relying heavily on his staff while learning about the Dutch squad.

Van Bommel had been out of club management since leaving Royal Antwerp in the summer of 2024 before succeeding Rudi Garcia as Belgium coach. His side beat Italy 2-0 and Turkey 3-0, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring twice against the latter. Belgium subsequently led France through Dodi Lukebakio but conceded four times in the closing stages to lose 4-1.