Andries Jonker was on the field every day at Telstar, but as national coach of the Orange Lionesses, his schedule looks very different. And that takes some getting used to for the former trainer of the Velsenaren. “It all has to show itself, it’s a different rhythm.”
“Andries is still a club trainer at heart,” says Arvid Smit. The assistant coach at the Oranjeleeuwinnen has known Jonker for many years. The two have also worked together at Telstar before. “However, due to his experience, he can handle the time when there is no football.”
Little perspective
Just before the summer Andries Jonker decided to stop at Telstar. Too little perspective, the coach thought. It is striking that there were many more options for his successor Mike Snoei. For example, the club from Velsen-Zuid attracted experienced players, a technical director and a full-time assistant were appointed. “There was no question of that at the time, but all the better that it was realized later.”
With Jonker at the helm, the Dutch women’s team recently qualified for the World Cup. And with that, a dream comes true for the born Amsterdammer. The World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand this summer. The Netherlands will then be in the group with the United States, Vietnam and a currently unknown opponent.