Memories: Ronald Koeman coaches Feyenoord at MFC
Today in our memories section we will talk about the great Dutch central Ronald Koeman. A true icon of soccer in the Netherlands that has won all kinds of titles. Both individually and collectively, with his national team and with the clubs.
This is how he spoke about us after one of his visits as Feyenoord manager:
“The weather conditions in Marbella verge the perfection in this part of the year. In Holland time is an uncertain factor. The weather in this area is much more stable than in Turkey, for example, where some Dutch team is training. Mention apart, my professional experience with Marbella Football Center and Football Impact has always been positive. We were here last season and it was an excellent training camp too. ”
Born in Zaandam in 1963, he began his career as a footballer at FC Groningen (a friend of FI), from where he made the leap after 3 years, moving to Ajax. Another 3 years in Amsterdam earned him to sign for PSV Eindhoven.
Another 3 years in Eindhoven and he will jump to FC Barcelona, where he will remain for 6 years. After his time at Barça, he will finish his career playing for Feyenoord, thus completing the 3 big teams in the Netherlands.
As a player he wins almost everything:
- The 1988 European Championship with the Netherlands.
- 2 European Cups: in 88 with PSV and 92 with Barça.
- The Spanish league enters for 4 consecutive years (91-94) and once the King’s Cup.
- 4 Dutch leagues and 3 cups.
- Individual titles: top scorer in the Champions League in 94, best Dutch footballer in 87 and 88.
He is also one of the most scoring defenders that have ever existed, with an impressive free kick. In his 452 games played in the Spanish and Dutch league he scored 161 goals. One goal every 2.8 games, a huge number for a central defender.
As a manager he will start his career in 97. He will do it as the Netherlands’ second coach, then he will go to FC Barcelona. In 2000 he will make the leap to Vittesse as a coach.
His list of teams coached since then is very long: Ajax, Benfica, PSV Eindhoven, Valencia CF, AZ Alkmaar, Feyenoord, Everton and Southampton. At the moment he manages the National Team of Netherlands.
As a coach he wins:
- Copa del Rey with Valencia.
- 3 leagues, 1 cup and 2 super cups in Holland with Ajax, PSV and AZ Alkmaar.
- Portuguese Super Cup with Benfica.