Dick Advocaat has agreed to work as an advisor to Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie, just a month after stepping down as Curacao manager.
Advocaat, 78, had looked set to become the oldest coach to manage at a World Cup by leading out the Caribbean nation at this summer’s tournament.
He resigned last month to take care of his sick daughter, who has been battling cancer.
Advocaat’s assistant Cor Pot last week gave the positive update that chemotherapy treatment was working.
It has now been confirmed by Feyenoord that Advocaat is to return to the Dutch club in an advisory capacity.
‘I would like to help Feyenoord, and Robin van Persie in particular, to finish this season well,’ Advocaat said.
Dick Advocaat will work in an advisory role at Feyenoord, just weeks after stepping down as Curacao manager
‘I have known Robin for almost twenty years, and our bond has always been good.
‘When I was manager here, as a former top striker, he wanted to share his knowledge with the attackers we had at Feyenoord. And now I can support him in turn. I am happy to do so.’
Feyenoord director Dennis te Kloese added: ‘Naturally, as club management, especially in the last few days, we have spoken extensively about how we can help the team and the staff during this important phase of the competition.’
‘The first time I mentioned Dick Advocaat’s name to Robin, he reacted immediately with great enthusiasm.
‘I noticed the same enthusiasm during my first conversation with Advocaat, so it quickly became clear this week.
‘After another good conversation last night, he will report to 1908 today, and we are very pleased about that.’
Advocaat will serve as an advisor to under pressure Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie
Van Persie has been coming under mounting pressure, with Feyenoord facing a battle to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Feyenoord are currently second in the Eredivisie, but are 16 points adrift of runaway leaders PSV Eindhoven.
Van Persie’s side are three points clear of third place NEC, with Ajax a further two points behind in fourth.
The top two qualify automatically for next season’s league phase, while third place would be enough to feature in the third qualifying round.
