The Dutch legend prioritizes national pride over club rivalry, praising PSV’s dominance while mourning the decline of his former side and questioning the appointment of Xavi Hernández.
Marco van Basten has admitted that Ajax’s struggles are painful to watch, while making a notably warm statement about PSV and Feyenoord.
The former Netherlands international and Ajax player says he is pleased to see both clubs performing well.
Van Basten is now working as an analyst for Ziggo Sport.
As quoted by PSV Inside, he spoke on the Coen & Sander Show on radio station JOE, where he also discussed the appointment of Xavi Hernández as the new Netherlands national team coach.
The 1988 European champion admitted he would have preferred to see a Dutchman take charge of Oranje.
“Well, I’d rather have a Dutchman. But, that’s my personal opinion. If in the Netherlands we aren’t able to get a Dutch coach for the team, then I think we’re doing something wrong.”
Van Basten, who coached the Netherlands between 2004 and 2008, also made clear that he has no intention of returning to management.
“No, absolutely not. I’m completely done with football. I’m going to do other things. I’m watching it a bit from a distance and for the rest I believe it all as well.”
![Ajax’s current situation remains particularly difficult for Van Basten [REUTERS]](https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/b301dd47-3ef1-41c7-9890-60b1c62e8dba.jpeg)
Ajax’s current situation remains particularly difficult for Van Basten [REUTERS]Van Basten: ‘I like that PSV is doing well’
Despite his deep connection with Ajax, Van Basten made no attempt to hide his appreciation for the performances of PSV and Feyenoord.
The former striker said the wider success of Dutch football is what matters to him, although Ajax’s current situation remains particularly difficult for him to watch.
“I think it's terrible that things are going badly at Ajax. I like that Feyenoord is doing well. I like that PSV is doing well.”
Van Basten then broadened his comments beyond football, pointing to the performances of Dutch athletes as another source of pride.
“I like Dutch athletes, Max Verstappen yesterday. That makes me happy. But when I then have to look at Ajax, then that hurts, you know.”
The former Ajax star concluded by stressing that his overriding wish is to see Dutch sport succeed.
“So I hope that we just all do well in the Netherlands... and that we win and that people have fun with all kinds of sports and that is actually what I consider the most important.”
Van Basten’s comments underline the contrast between Ajax’s current struggles and the progress being made by PSV and Feyenoord, while showing that his concerns extend beyond club rivalries to the broader health of Dutch football.
