Al Jazira boss Henk ten Cate has revealed he has rejected an offer to take up the vacant Netherlands job, citing a lack of complete support for his candidature.
Widespread reports in his native country at the weekend stated the 62-year-old was first choice to succeed Danny Blind, who was sacked last month following a 2-0 defeat to Bulgaria in World Cup 2018 qualifiers which leaves the nation in real danger of missing a second-successive major tournament.
But Ten Cate – who is on the cusp of adding the 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League crown to last term’s President’s Cup – now appears likely to accept improved terms on a deal with the Pride of Abu Dhabi which expires next summer.
“I was promised the job on Monday,” the ex-Barcelona and Chelsea assistant told De Telegraaf. “But in the end I decided not to do that.
“If you accept such a responsible job, to me the most honorable in Dutch football, it is essential that the organisation is behind it, or it will not succeed.”
Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) technical director Hans van Breukelen had travelled to the UAE last weekend to discuss the position with Ten Cate. Following his rejection, Dick Advocaat is now favourite to begin a third stint in charge of the ailing national side.
Oranje currently find themselves in a parlous position on the Road to Russia. They are fourth in Group A, six points behind leaders France and three behind second-placed Sweden.
Despite this, Ten Cate remained optimistic about their future.
“I firmly believe that Orange has enough quality to qualify for the World Cup in Russia,” he said. “Furthermore, I appreciate all true football experts who supported my candidacy and Hans van Breukelen, who has stuck his neck out for me.
“I wish him well in his search for a new coach and hopes that Oranje goes very well.”
