Pep Guardiola is being pushed as the dream candidate for one of the biggest jobs in international football.
The Netherlands are looking for a new national team coach after Ronald Koeman’s departure, and former Dutch international Ronald de Boer believes the Dutch FA should think bigger than usual.
According to A Bola, citing De Telegraaf, De Boer sees Guardiola as the perfect successor to Koeman and described the chance to appoint him as “a unique opportunity”.
Koeman exit opens the door
The Netherlands are searching for a new direction after a disappointing World Cup.
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According to A Bola, Koeman left the job after the Dutch were knocked out by Morocco in the round of 32, losing on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The timing leaves the KNVB under pressure.
The Netherlands are due to return to competitive action in the Nations League in September, meaning the federation cannot afford a long and uncertain search.
That is why De Boer believes Guardiola should at least receive the call.
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De Boer wants a bold move
Guardiola is currently without a club after leaving Manchester City, and his deep connection to Dutch football makes the idea more than just a fantasy for De Boer.
“Pep is a disciple of Cruyff,” De Boer said, according to A Bola.
He then argued that the former Barcelona and Manchester City coach would represent the kind of football the Netherlands want to be associated with.
“It would be excellent publicity for the Netherlands, because Pep is the best standard-bearer you can imagine. With every team he has coached, he presses high, defends attacking and dominant football, and does not give the ball to the opponent,” De Boer said.
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That is the heart of the argument.
For De Boer, Guardiola is not only a famous name. He is a coach whose footballing ideas fit the Dutch tradition.
Cruyff connection matters
Guardiola’s link to Johan Cruyff remains central to the discussion.
He played under Cruyff at Barcelona and has often spoken about the Dutchman’s influence on his career, both as a player and as a coach.
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De Boer believes that history could give the KNVB a chance.
“Pep is a disciple of Cruyff. He wants to give something back to Dutch football, because he became who he is, as a player and as a coach, thanks to the coach and adviser Johan Cruyff. He says that in every interview. This is the opportunity to translate his gratitude into actions,” De Boer said.
It is an emotional argument as much as a sporting one.
The Netherlands have long valued possession, technical control and attacking football. Guardiola has built his career around those same principles.
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Money may not be the obstacle
The obvious question is whether the KNVB could afford Guardiola.
De Boer does not believe that should stop them.
“We have to look at things differently. When you have earned tens of millions in salary for years, you no longer need to look at money. Pep knows perfectly well that the KNVB does not offer a salary of €20 million,” he said.
He also claimed Guardiola has previously shown openness to the idea.
“In the documentary Força Koeman, he himself said the KNVB could always call him. Of course Nigel de Jong has to do it. He would come for expenses and would see this job as an honorary position. I really hope Nigel manages it,” De Boer said.
That does not mean a deal is close.
It means De Boer believes the Dutch FA has enough reason to try.
Several names still in the frame
Guardiola is not the only name being discussed.
According to A Bola, Michael Reiziger, Arne Slot, Peter Bosz and Erik ten Hag are also among the possible candidates to replace Koeman.
Each name would make sense in a different way.
Reiziger is already inside the Dutch setup with the under-21 team. Bosz has built an attractive side at PSV. Ten Hag has experience at elite club level. Slot, meanwhile, remains highly respected in Dutch football.
But Guardiola would be the statement appointment.
It would be difficult, expensive in practical terms, and far from guaranteed. Yet for De Boer, that is exactly why the KNVB should explore it.
The Netherlands have lost another tournament earlier than expected. Their identity is again under debate.
Guardiola would not be the safe option.
He would be the explosive one.
