Guus Hiddink to sign 2-year contract to take over as Netherlands boss post World Cup

Former Real Madrid coach Guus Hiddink is set to take charge of the Netherlands football team for the second time after this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Dutch FA have confirmed, after months of speculation, that the 67-year old Hiddink will once again take charge of the national team after having previously led them to the World Cup semifinals in 1998.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has also been confirmed as Hiddink’s assistant along with current assistant coach Danny Blind. The trio have signed a two year deal until EURO 2016 in France.

Following Euro 2016, Danny Blind will takeover as the coach of the Netherlands national team.

Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam has reportedly turned down an offer to join Hiddink while efforts are being made to convince current goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek to continue post the 2014 World Cup.

Hiddink has previously managed the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea , PSV Eindhoven apart from managerial stints with the national teams of Russia, Turkey, Australia and South Korea. Hiddink surprised everyone by leading the South Korean team to the World Cup semifinal in 2002.

Hiddink is returning for a second spell with the Netherlands team after current coach Louis van Gaal decided to step down after the 2014 World Cup.

Hiddink’s first target will be to secure qualification for the Euro 2016 tournament in France. Netherlands’ qualifying group consists of Czech Republic, Turkey, Latvia, Iceland and Kazakhstan.