Ronald Koeman takes on Guus Hiddink in the Premier League on Saturday knowing his compatriot is largely responsible for helping to shape him into the promising manager he has become.
Chelsea interim manager Hiddink coached Southampton boss Koeman while inspiring PSV Eindhoven to their first ever European Cup in 1988, and gave the retired defender his first coaching experience by recruiting him to his Holland staff for the 1998 World Cup.
The 52-year-old has since established himself as a fine manager and, while he credits the great Dutch innovator Johan Cruyff for teaching him more than any other, he also recognises Hiddink’s influence on his development.
Guus says Ronald Koeman was one of the leaders on the pitch when he was a player in the team he managed in the past. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 26, 2016
Koeman has not spoken to Hiddink since the fallout to the latter’s re-appointment as Netherlands manager in 2014 – a job Koeman perhaps expected to be offered – but the Saints boss insisted he had moved on and the pair retained “a good understanding”.
“The biggest influence in my career as a player but also as a coach is Johan Cruyff,” Koeman said ahead of the clash at St Mary’s. “He had a big part of that, but also Guus Hiddink showed me when I was a player at PSV in detail what you need to play on a high level.
“I always had a good understanding with him. We struggled a bit after the situation with the national team two years ago. But that’s the past and I’m still in a good relationship with Guus. I’m looking forward to seeing him on Saturday.”
Asked if he had spoken to Hiddink since he was overlooked for the role of Dutch boss to which he has since been frequently linked, Koeman – whose team have won five of their past six fixtures without conceding – answered: “No. But maybe something went wrong at that time. I said several things after that period but it’s now over.”
Meanwhile, Hiddink wants Chelsea to swiftly secure their next permanent manager and believes transparency surrounding the appointment would benefit the club.
Antonio Conte is reportedly in talks over the job and is expected to leave his role as Italy manager after Euro 2016.
When asked if he would prefer a quick appointment Hiddink said: “I am in favour. But it’s a personal opinion that when things are done you make it transparent. You’ve heard more than I because that’s your job, you have to search around where the rumours are. That’s not my job.”
