New Oranje coach could welcome back Van Persie

Footballer Robin van Persie may return to the Dutch national team under new coach Ronald Koeman. Koeman is keeping the possibility open, he said to broadcaster NOS.

"If he shows the necessary fitness and shows that he is still one of the best... Then who am I not to select him. Age does not matter, what matters is what they show", Koeman said.

The new coach refused to tell NOS about his plans for the Dutch national team. "You're going to have to see. Something is going to change, yes. Something fundamental. Visible to everyone. Before we play against England on 23 March. No, not on a personal level."

Koeman will not keep Ruud Gullit on as assistant coach. Gullit was assistant coach under previous coach Dick Advocaat. "He is not an option", Koeman said. He is currently in talks with two assistants, in addition to the goalkeeper coach and physical trainer. Those two positions will likely be filled by Patrick Lodewijks and Jan Kluitenberg, who already worked with Koeman at Feyenoord and Everton, according to the broadcaster.