Van Gaal inspired me to become a coach, says Reiziger

Exclusive: The former Ajax and Barcelona defender stated his old boss is the reason he chose to pursue a career on the bench

Sparta Rotterdam assistant coach Michael Reiziger has revealed his desire to follow in Louis van Gaal’s footsteps is behind his decision to pursue a future in the dugout.

The ex-Netherlands international played for Van Gaal at Ajax and then Barcelona in a partnership that yielded the Champions League trophy with the former, with Reiziger now keen to emulate the 63-year-old trainer’s trophy-laden career.

And though he admitted he was still learning the fundamentals of coaching and leading his team, Reiziger insisted he remains up to the challenge of his new on the bench of the Eerste Divisie outfit.

“I’ve had to learn from scratch what it takes to lead first-team players,” he told Goal. “My goal here at Sparta is to learn a lot to learn a lot before progressing to become head coach of a club.

“There is no such thing as taking a vacation for a coach. Van Gaal inspired me most. You’re meant to come to the club and check everything – make plans, do scouting, look after your players.

“As a player, you stop working off the pitch, but a coach is at his job 24 hours a day.”

Nevertheless, Reiziger revealed he could not resist the idea of continuing his career in football despite the increased demands of his new role.

“It is purely for the love of football,” he continued. “After my career as a player, I knew I would prefer to remain on the field.

“Football is in my blood. I live for the smell of grass, the team spirit, the ability to be part of something larger, and the excitement surrounding games.”

Reiziger formed part of Alex Pastoor’s staff that led Sparta to finish eighth in the Dutch second tier last term.

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