Van Basten drops to assistant coach over health issues at AZ

By foxsports
Published

Marco van Basten is to step down to an assistant coach role at AZ Alkmaar on his return to the club after health issues.

Van Basten has been on leave for the last two weeks due to health problems, and although AZ ended speculation the club's head coach was to leave all together, they announced on Tuesday he would take on a secondary role, signing a new contract as an assistant coach until 2016.

"I have found that in recent times the role of head coach was causing me increasing physical and mental discomfort," the former Holland international said on the club's website.

"Therefore I decided I had to be honest with myself and with AZ. I wanted to return, but not as head coach. After extensive discussions with the club and (assistants) Alex Pastoor and Dennis Haar, we have found a suitable solution for all.

"I am delighted with my new role which is a little more in the background. I want to help the young players here."

Pastoor is in line to become the new head coach, having taken on the role in Van Basten's absence, but director of football Earnest Stewart said a deal is yet to be finalised.