Johan Neeskens, The Socceroos assistant coach
Gus Hiddink is the coach of the Socceroos and his assistant coach is none other than Johan Neeskens, one of Holland's famed players from the 1974 and 1978 WC squad that came close to winning it all twice in a row. Along with namesake and fellow legends Johan Cruyff, Arie Haan, Robert Rensenbrink, Johny Rep, and Ruud Krol that formed the best team that never won the World Cup.
Neeskens is amongst the many ex-Holland players who are shaping the world of soccer with their coaching skills. Soccerblog has made a point that Dutch coaching should be trademarked.
As for Neeskens, he enjoys coaching the Socceroos and seems to be living vicariously through them, the glory days of his past. The next friendly that the Socceroos play is against Holland, his old team. Any divided loyalties?
"No, it's going to feel great," he said. "For me it is a great opportunity. I was with Holland twice (as a coach), at the European championships and the world championships.But now I only look forward to playing against them. And of course we want to beat them."
Asked whether he believed the Dutch would treat the game seriously, he responded: "They'd better."
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