Celebrated former Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and Australia boss Bert van Marwijk landed in the UAE on Wednesday night to officially begin the nation’s long drive towards World Cup 2022.
Van Marwijk, 66, was announced by the UAE Football Association as successor to Italy’s Alberto Zaccheroni in the early evening. Details of the arrangement were not provided, but a four-year contract – worth approximately €3.6 million per annum, including technical staff – has been inked that encompasses the entire cycle for the global tournament and Asian Cup 2023.
The Dutchman will be presented to media immediately prior to Thursday’s friendly against the depleted Saudis at Al Wahda’s redeveloped Al Nahyan Stadium. Emirati caretaker Saleem Abdulrahman will remain in charge for that clash, plus Tuesday’s meeting with Syria – also in Abu Dhabi – at Al Jazira’s Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Zaccheroni’s employment, which began in October 2017, was not continued after January’s brutal semi-final exit on home soil at Asian Cup 2019. His successor does not face a competitive match until September, when the protracted process to earn a second-ever World Cup appearance starts for the Whites.
“The UAE Football Association has completed contractual procedures with Dutch coach, Bert van Marwijk,” a statement read. “He will be officially presented at a press conference on Thursday.”
Van Marwijk earned one cap for the Netherlands during his playing career. After retirement, he led the likes of Feyenoord – with whom he lifted the 2001/02 UEFA Cup – and Borussia Dortmund, prior to guiding his native country to extra-time defeat in World Cup 2010’s final.
A troubled short stint at Hamburg preceded his fruitful hiring by the Saudis in August 2015. He earned qualification to World Cup 2018, but departed in September 2017.
Van Marwijk would then manage the Socceroos to a group-stage exit at the event.
Other candidates considered by the UAE FA included Morocco’s Herve Renard, Wahda’s Henk ten Cate and Croatia’s Zlatko Dalic.
