Former Premier League manager, 78, announces surprising U-turn and WILL take charge of tiny nation at the World Cup this summer
Dick Advocaat is set to become the oldest manager in World Cup history after reportedly reversing his decision to quit as Curacao boss.
The 78-year-old stood down as Curacao manager in February to care for his daughter, who has been battling cancer, with his decision coming just four months after the Caribbean nation qualified for the World Cup for the first time.
Advocaat was announced as an advisor to Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie just a month later.
His assistant Cor Pot revealed the move had come after Advocaat’s daughter had been responding well to chemotherapy treatment.
Dutch newspaper AD reported that it had become clear to Curacao’s squad last month that her health had improved sufficiently for Advocaat to consider a return.
The Curacao Football Federation were initially reported to have blocked Advocaat’s return last week, but players wanted him to take charge at the tournament.
Dick Advocaat is expected to return as Curacao manager ahead of the upcoming World Cup
Advocaat stepped down in February to care for his daughter, who has been battling cancer, but her improved health has led to him reversing his decision
Fred Rutten, who had succeeded Advocaat in February, has since stepped down as head coach with the squad having pushed for him to be replaced ahead of next month’s tournament.
‘There must not be a climate that damages healthy professional relations, both among players and in the staff. Therefore it is prudent to take a step back,’ Rutten said.
‘In addition, time is running out and Curacao must move forward. I regret how the situation has developed, but I wish everyone much success as well.’
The Curacao Football Federation praised Rutten for showing ‘extraordinary class, professionalism and sense of responsibility’, stating that the coach had chosen to put the ‘greater interest of our team over his own interest’.
Curacao are yet to officially confirm Advocaat’s return, but the expectation is for the veteran coach to return.
The hugely experienced Dutch coach has led the likes of Rangers, Sunderland, Fenerbahce and eight countries – including three spells in charge of the Netherlands – during his career.
He would become the oldest World Cup manager at the age of 78, with the record currently held by Otto Rehhagel – who was 71 when he led Greece at the 2010 World Cup.
Fred Rutten has stepped down as head coach to allow for Advocaat to return to the position
Curacao are the smallest nation to have qualified for the World Cup, with a population of just over 150,000, a similar number to Cambridge, while its land area of 171 square miles is smaller than the Isle of Man.
The previous smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup was Iceland in 2018.
Curacao begin their World Cup campaign on June 14 when they face Germany in Group E, before matches against Ecuador and Ivory Coast.
Curacao face Scotland and Aruba in World Cup warm-up matches.
