National coach Louis van Gaal called Frans van Seumeren, owner of FC Utrecht, to ask nicely whether the new trainer Henk Fraser could go to the World Cup from mid-November. The competition is still at a standstill. “Frans was not to relent,” said the national coach on Monday, before he finished the film Louis looked at his life and work.
Van Seumeren, who wants to join the top, has seen his club perform less than desired in recent years and wants a trainer who fully concentrates on FC Utrecht, also during the World Cup period. Fraser (55) ‘has to accept that’, as he put it, no matter how difficult the trade-off was.
On the other hand: it is a choice of luxury. Because yes, experiencing a World Cup, that is perhaps unique in his career. But FC Utrecht, he always wanted to work there. It AD even devoted a poll to the case, which showed that two-thirds of the respondents think that Utrecht should have awarded Fraser the World Cup.
Colored character
The KNVB is therefore looking for a successor. Although Fraser was chosen for his qualities as a trainer, fitting in with Van Gaal’s team, it is interesting to follow what considerations the KNVB makes in the search. Fraser, of Surinamese descent, also represented the desired diversity within the union, which engaged in self-examination in debates about racism, discrimination and the pursuit of equal opportunities, and regularly mentioned the white character in the workforce. Also at clubs in the country. And that while the teams themselves, certainly also the representative teams of the association, have a colored character.
When appointing trainers and other employees, the KNVB wants to fit in with the changing society. The question now is, for example, whether trainers with an A diploma such as Clarence Seedorf and Edgar Davids, who are unemployed in that field, are eligible for the position, if they show interest.
Since the appointment of Van Gaal for his third period as national coach, last summer, Fraser has played a double role, as assistant national coach and head coach of Sparta. Although a connection between the club results when serving two gentlemen has not been demonstrated, Sparta is last in the Eredivisie. Here and there grumbles have been heard around the Castle about the regular relinquishment of Fraser to the national team, although there were never any matches for the club during that period.
The position in the ranking is also somewhat flattered, because Sparta owes the match at Fortuna, canceled due to the storm, (Saturday) and can add three points if it manages to keep the abandoned match at Vitesse at 0-1 in six remaining minutes. .
Already replaced in June?
Van Gaal is still discussing with his other assistants, Danny Blind and Frans Hoek, whether he wants a replacement for Fraser in June or only after that. June is in fact the most important month of preparation, which includes four matches in the Nations League, against Wales (twice), Poland and Belgium.
Van Gaal also showed full understanding for Fraser’s move. The contract with the KNVB expires after the World Cup, while he could sign with Utrecht for three years. Fraser also played football for FC Utrecht. He also found it difficult to tell Van Gaal about the offer and is willing to give up his holiday if Van Gaal still wants to use his services in June. But he also shows full understanding when Van Gaal chooses someone else. ‘He’s got plenty of choice. It’s up to the national coach.’