Arjan Veurink, assistant coach to Sarina Wiegman, will leave the England women’s team after July’s European Championship to become the head coach of the Netherlands women’s national side.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has confirmed that the 38-year-old will succeed Andries Jonker, who has been in charge since 2022. Veurink has a deal until after 2029’s Euros.
Veurink, a former FC Twente head coach, has been Wiegman’s No 2 for eight years since they teamed up for their native Netherlands’ Euros triumph in 2017 and their run to 2019’s World Cup final, and he moved with her to coach England in 2021. They guided England to their first major women’s silverware in 2022 and to 2023’s World Cup final.
“This is not only a great challenge and a wonderful new adventure, it also feels like a logical next step in my career,” Veurink said. “I have never made a secret of the fact that I wanted to be ultimately responsible for the Dutch national team at some point.
“With over eight years of experience at the highest level [with] Sarina Wiegman, I am ready to stand on my own two feet. The fact that this opportunity has now arisen in the Netherlands makes it extra special. I will now do everything I can to conclude the coming months in England in style, and then start this new chapter.”
Nigel de Jong, director of top-level football at the KNVB, pointed to Veurink’s “rich history in women’s football”, saying: “He knows what is required at the absolute top, but also knows how important it is to maintain the connection with the basics. We are therefore pleased that he wants to take on the challenge. We would also like to thank the English Football Association for their cooperation.”
A spokesperson for the Football Association said of Veurink: “He continues to be a highly valued and respected member of Sarina’s team and has complete focus on the Lionesses’ current UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign and this summer’s tournament. There’s plenty more work to be done together before it’s time to say our farewells.”
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Wiegman is contracted to stay in charge of England until the end of 2027’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Source: theguardian.com
