The upcoming departure of Max Huiberts from AZ is causing a stir in the football world. After more than ten years as director of football affairs, he will say goodbye to the club at the end of the season. While it comes as a surprise to many, this does not apply to José Fortes Rodriguez. The agent of players such as Micky van de Ven, Ryan Gravenberch and Myron Boadu has known Huiberts since 1996 and considers him one of his best friends. “We are always there for each other.”
“I can still remember that he drove into the AZ complex with a beautiful Jaguar and he was just a few kilos too heavy,” says José Fortes Rodriguez with an infectious laugh about one of his first memories with Max Huiberts. The 53-year-old former AZ defender met Huiberts in 1996 and the two played together for many years. “He came over from Borussia Mönchengladbach and he had probably eaten a little too many sausages in Germany.”
On holiday together
Fortes Rodriguez: “We clicked from the first moment. We went on holiday together and I knew his parents well. A month ago he was at my wedding.”
“After our football careers, we worked together in scouting at AZ,” Fortes Rodriguez continues his story. “When I left AZ to work with Mino Raiola as an agent, Max felt that was very bad. Yet that did not change our relationship and that will not happen if he soon stops at AZ. He is very loyal. I can always call him and he can also call me.”
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“What I find funny is that we have sometimes had words. It was about players. For example, with the contract extension of AZ talent Myron Boadu. Max thought that I was influenced too much by Mino Raiola. Ultimately I suggested having a bite to eat in Bergen and we talked it out there.”
“What I mean by this is that Max even argues with his best friends to get the best out of AZ. That says a lot about his dedication to his club.”
Succession Brands
Another situation that Fortes Rodriguez will not soon forget is the departure of AZ’s technical director Marcel Brands in 2010. The Alkmaar club will look for a successor with general manager Toon Gerbrands and Supervisory Board chairman René Neelissen.
“I called René and told him that they had to choose Max,” Fortes Rodriguez looks back on that telephone conversation. “I worked with Max at the time and thought he was the very best for that position. Unfortunately, they didn’t want to listen to me and were already in discussions with Earnest Stewart and chose him.”
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In January 2016, AZ chose Huiberts after Stewart’s departure. Fortes Rodriguez: “It took a little longer and now it turns out that he is the very best.”
A lot of stress
For the Monaco-based agent, Huiberts’ decision to quit is no surprise. “We have talked about this often and I understand him very well. The work he does is very demanding. You are constantly on, everyone wants something from you and that causes a lot of stress.”