Theo Janssen and Tim Krul give positive update on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Theo Janssen and Tim Krul have both offered a positive update on Klaas-Jan Huntelaar after recently spending time with the former Netherlands striker. Speaking on Rondo, the two analysts said Huntelaar was doing well.

Janssen met Huntelaar in central Arnhem and spoke with him about his current situation. He told the programme that Huntelaar is taking some time away from football after briefly working as an assistant coach with Vitesse’s under-21 team. According to Janssen, the 43-year-old is using the break to consider his next steps. “It’s going better with him,” Janssen said, as quoted by FCUpdate.

Krul, meanwhile, was with Huntelaar in Dallas in June for an Oranje supporters’ march before the Netherlands’ opening World Cup game against Japan. The former goalkeeper said they travelled there through the KNVB and spent three evenings together. Krul also reported that Huntelaar was doing well and spoke warmly about their time in Dallas.

Huntelaar stepped down as Ajax’s technical manager in October 2023 because of burnout. His public appearances had subsequently been limited, but he attended ESPN’s Eredivisie Awards in May and later worked as an analyst for NOS during the World Cup. Janssen said he hoped Huntelaar would eventually return to football, although no new role has been announced.