Liverpool should be watching on with interest as former striker Dirk Kuyt kicks off his managerial career in Holland.
As per The Athletic, Kuyt has taken over at second division side ADO Den Haag ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The 41-year-old will be aiming to take the club back into the Eredivisie in what will be his first job as a first-team coach.
On an initial one-year contract, Kuyt doesn’t have too long to implement his ideas. But having played at the very top of the game, he’ll surely have designs on going just as far as a manager.
Four years for Kuyt to make his name
After the brilliant news in April, Liverpool fans now know they’ll be led by Jurgen Klopp until at least 2026.
That has put the search for an immediate successor to the legendary boss on hold for now. By the time those four years are up though, perhaps Kuyt will be in a position to throw his name into the hat.
As a player, the Dutchman was all about intensity and work-rate. He wasn’t the prettiest player to watch, but he was effective in what he did.
It’s easy to imagine Kuyt having a place in a Klopp side. Think James Milner but with added goals. If Dirk sets his teams out to play with anything like the intensity he did, there’ll be shades of Klopp’s style in there.
Passing on the baton
Of course, what style Kuyt will go for is impossible to say at this point. But it does seem as though Liverpool are keen to hand over the reigns to someone who has knowledge of the club.
Steven Gerrard and Pep Lijnders are really the only two names who were ever mentioned in connection with taking over form Jurgen.
Obviously Kuyt can’t get anywhere close to Gerrard’s legacy at Liverpool. Lijnders also has intimate knowledge of Klopp’s methods and his players.
Stevie is also much further ahead in his coaching career and has already made it to the Premier League. Interestingly, Kuyt has spoken previously about being part of his former captain’s coaching team.
Four years is a long time in football though. If Kuyt does well, who’s to say he can’t be in the running.
Along with former teammates Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger, Kuyt is one of a clutch of former reds exploring management.
After 286 appearances for Liverpool and 104 for Holland, it would be great if Kuyt’s career on the touchlines is as successful as his career on the pitch. If he can make a good start, Liverpool need to be taking notes.
Good luck Dirk!
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