Surprise comeback: Dick Advocaat resumes role as Curacao head coach weeks ahead of World Cup

The 78 year old Advocaat stepped down as Curacao manager back in February, having guided the Caribbean country to its debut at the FIFA World Cup. The experienced Dutch tactician headed back to his homeland to support his daughter during her serious health issues, paving the way for Fred Rutten to assume control of the national side.

As Advocaats daughters condition began to stabilise, whispers emerged about the veteran possibly reclaiming his position with Curacao. Reports suggest a large portion of the senior players pushed for his reinstatement, while key backer Corendon threatened to withdraw following FFK leader Gilbert Martinas revelation on Friday that Rutten was set to helm the squad through the tournament.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Martina insisted that the sponsors concerns played no role in their choices.

The FFK executive has repeatedly stressed that selecting or removing a national team boss falls under our jurisdiction. While outside influences have been present, they do not sway our choices.

Contact made with Advocaat following Rutten departure

On Monday, the FFK revealed it had already separated from Rutten.

A situation that harms positive working dynamics between athletes and personnel cannot be tolerated, Rutten stated in an official federation post on social media. It makes sense to withdraw now. The clock is ticking, and Curacao needs to press on.

Under Rutten guidance, Curacao suffered defeats in warm up matches versus China by 2-0 and Australia by 5-1 during March.

Martina clarified that reverting to Advocaat was not part of any prior plan.

We reached out to Advocaat on Monday to check his readiness, but that came only after Fred Rutten submitted his resignation the previous day. Freds choice to leave stems from an entirely separate matter.

After leaving his post in February, Advocaat took up a consultancy role at Feyenoord alongside manager Robin van Persie. The club from Rotterdam secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League after securing runners up position in the Eredivisie.

Advocaat will enter the record books as the most senior coach at a FIFA World Cup when Curacao faces Germany in their opening fixture on 14 June. The Group E also features Ivory Coast and Ecuador.