Fred Rutten has resigned as manager of Curaçao just one month before the World Cup begins, following player protests demanding the return of his predecessor. The 63-year-old Dutch coach stepped down immediately after the Caribbean nation's poor performances in March friendlies, with the squad reportedly seeking Dick Advocaat's reinstatement as head coach.
Rutten's tenure lasted merely two matches, during which Curaçao suffered a 2-0 defeat to China and a 5-1 thrashing by Australia. These disappointing results triggered unrest among players, who approached the association's president Gilbert Martina demanding change. "We must not allow a climate to develop that undermines healthy professional relationships within the squad and the coaching staff," Rutten said in his statement, according to reporting from kicker and Dutch media outlets.
Advocaat Set to Return
Advocaat, the architect of Curaçao's historic qualification for their first World Cup appearance, is expected to be presented as Rutten's successor at a press conference on Tuesday. The 78-year-old stepped aside in February to care for his seriously ill daughter, but she is now recovering, clearing the way for his World Cup involvement. At this age, Advocaat would surpass Otto Rehhagel's record as the oldest manager ever to coach at a World Cup finals tournament, breaking the German's mark set in 2010 when he was 72.
Curaçao faces a baptism of fire in their World Cup debut group stage. Their schedule includes:
- 14 June: Germany (opening match)
- 21 June: Ecuador
- 25 June: Ivory Coast
The managerial upheaval adds uncertainty to an already challenging campaign for the Caribbean debutants, though Advocaat's proven tournament experience could provide stability as they prepare to face established football nations.
