Beenhakker: I miss my family
Ian Prescott (Express)iprescott@trinidadexpress.com
Monday, July 24th 2006
Leo Beenhakker, left, chats with his T&T assistant Wim Rijsbergen before an international friendly against Iceland in London, England. Rijsbergen has taken over the coaching of the Soca Warriors. LEO BEENHAKKER has said that being close to his friends and family was the major consideration when deciding to give up the post of head coach of Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors, and taking up a similar position with the national football team of Poland.
"My contract was finished and it was a difficult decision to make to leave the team. But for the last few years I was far away from my family and for the next two years, I prefer to stay close to my family and close to Europe."
The Dutchman arrived in T&T on Saturday night. He is here to accept a $1million reward and a national award for steering T&T to a World Cup Finals for the first time in history.
Beenhakker, who begins his stint with Poland next week, said his main goal is qualification for the 2008 European Cup Finals. He added that he is happy that his former assistant Wim Rijsbergen has succeeded him as T&T coach.
Following a request from FIFA vice president Jack Warner, Beenhakker agreed to be a technical adviser to the Soca Warriors, and will be making himself available to help whenever possible.
"I said I am looking forward to it. I love to keep in touch with here."
Rijsbergen, who came in on the same flight as Beenhakker, said he will begin his programme with T&T on August 1. He will be assisted by T&T's Anton Corneal and Dutchman Jan Van Deinsen, a former professional at Feyenoord.
Rijsbergen said Van Deinsen is very good with youth teams, and will work with Corneal in the development of youth players in preparation for the senior team.
Rijsbergen is looking forward to his assignment, which he said is easier than taking an entirely new assignment since he is already familiar with T&T's players, and has also developed a relationship with local football administrators.
"Hopefully, we get a continuation of the football for the next few years. That is the main job, to organise a new team and get everybody excited for the Olympics and the World Cup."
Rijsbergen is expecting continued backing from Warner to develop his programme, but said his job would be much easier with Government backing as well.