Analyst points to Van Bommel: “A name that comes out of nowhere”

The name of Mark van Bommel is explicitly mentioned as a top candidate to become the new head coach of Belgium. Earlier this week, the Red Devils said goodbye to Rudi Garcia and see Van Bommel as the ideal new head coach.

Earlier this week, Mike Verweij already wrote on behalf of De Telegraaf that the name of the PSV icon is at the top of the list. Van Bommel was also working in Belgium between 2022 and 2024 as a coach for Royal Antwerp FC.

According to analyst Robert Maaskant, it is not entirely illogical that the KBVB goes with the former PSV player because of Van Bommel’s status with our southern neighbors. The former midfielder also won the double with Antwerp in his first season as coach of the Belgian club.

''I think it's fine that Mark van Bommel becomes head coach of Belgium; it's a name that really comes out of nowhere, in a way. He of course worked at Antwerp and became champion with them, so in Belgium he has indeed made a name for himself'', says Maaskant on the program De Oranjezomer on SBS6.

According to the former coach, among others of NAC Breda and Willem II, it is strange that the KNVB did not reach out to Van Bommel. ''At PSV he also made a good name for himself. The dream candidate, Vincent Kompany, currently has a big club, so he definitely won't do it. That leaves you with him. I understand that they have spoken with him. What strikes me most is that he is not mentioned at all in the Netherlands,'' says the analyst.

Rutger Castricum, however, has a different opinion than Maaskant. ''If there is a name like Arne Slot, then the name of Mark van Bommel quickly fades away. Slot is indeed of a different caliber. I think Van Bommel could do it well, not that he is a has-been. He did well at Antwerp and I think that’s why he is well-liked in Belgium,'' the journalist said.