Dutch fans open to female Oranje coach, but many want "proof" in men’s soccer first

Many Dutch soccer fans would accept a woman as the next head coach of the Netherlands men’s national team. However, a large number believe a female coach should first show experience in men’s soccer, according to a survey among thousands of soccer supporters in the RTL Nieuws panel.

The debate over the next Netherlands coach began after Ronald Koeman’s departure. It is no longer only about who should take the job. It is also about whether the position could go to a woman.

Half of respondents said a successful coach from women’s soccer should be considered if she is the best candidate, regardless of gender.

One panel member said, "Wiegman has already proven herself. She is a great coach. Man or woman does not matter, it is about the best national team coach.”

Another respondent said having a woman lead the men’s team could bring a refreshing change to men’s soccer.

About one-third of respondents were open to the idea but said a female coach should first gain experience in men’s soccer. They noted that there are currently no female head coaches working in professional men’s soccer in the Netherlands. As a result, there is no obvious candidate with that background.

International examples are also rare. German coach Marie-Louise Eta made history this year when she became the first female head coach in one of Europe’s five major men’s leagues. She took charge at Union Berlin.

One in five respondents said they believe a female coach in men’s soccer is a bad idea. The discussion grew after comments from NOS soccer analyst Pierre van Hooijdonk.

Van Hooijdonk said he does not support the idea because of the “macho world” of men’s soccer. He questioned whether a female coach would have credibility in a locker room. He also said that “part of the players come from cultures in which men and women are not seen as equal.”

Many participants questioned whether men’s soccer is ready for a female national team coach. Others said that was the wrong question.

One respondent wrote: “If players do not accept a female coach, that says more about the players than about the coach.”

Fans also pointed to Sarina Wiegman’s success in England. English soccer supporters praised Wiegman after she led the Lionesses to their second consecutive European Championship title.

The survey also asked whether the next Netherlands coach should have a Dutch passport. Austrian Ernst Happel led the Netherlands to the 1978 World Cup final. Since then, every Netherlands men’s national team coach has been Dutch.

Fifty-nine percent of respondents said they prefer a Dutch coach. The rest said a foreign coach would also be acceptable.

One participant said: “Just choose the most suitable candidate, what difference does it make what passport they have?”

When asked to choose their preferred candidate, fans selected Arne Slot most often. Slot led Feyenoord to a league title and European success. He later continued his rise at Liverpool, where he won the English championship in his first season. He was dismissed this summer and is currently without a club.

PSV coach Peter Bosz ranked second. He has won multiple trophies with PSV in recent years.

Former FC Barcelona and Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola and Sarina Wiegman followed in the rankings.

Wiegman has won the European Championship with the Netherlands women’s team. She later won the European title with England. She also reached the World Cup final with both countries.