Bert van Marwijk may return to club competition when his contract with Oranje expires after the 2012 European Championship.
The successful Holland coach, who steered his team to this year’s World Cup final, told NUsport magazine this week: "I don't think I will carry on after 2012. It may be time for something different.”
"I prefer a job in Germany, England or Spain. Not Holland, I can say that now," he added.
Van Marwijk has plenty of experience at club level, most notably at Feyenoord Rotterdam and Borussia Dortmund, and he says he fancies another crack when his contract with Oranje runs out in 18 months' time.
Cashing in
He confirmed that several clubs have already approached him, but that he would not rush into a decision. “Now my heart is with Oranje."
Van Marwijk, who renewed his contract with the Dutch FA in March, just ahead of the World Cup in South Africa, is obviously keen to capitalise on his current market value. But his remarks in the NUsport interview is unlikely to have been prompted by financial considerations alone.
Strain
The prospect of preparing Holland for yet another World Cup might be losing its lustre. This year’s tribulations both during and after the event in South Africa will certainly have taken its toll.
The barrage of criticism that came in the wake of Holland’s atypically aggressive play at the final was followed by a spat with Bayern Munich over the treatment of injured Arjen Robben and Mark van Bommel.
Van Marwijk’s decision to suspend Nigel de Jong, a player after his own heart, following a wild tackle during a League match, wasn’t easily made either.
Ambition
But it’s not over yet. The Holland manager feels he hasn’t fully exploited his team’s vast potential. He agrees that this year’s World Cup runners-up could have performed better at the tournament.
“But every player needs to be focused and willing to run the extra mile,” Van Marwijk told the press on several occasions, underlining his ambition to improve even upon the team’s excellent track record with the speed and elegance of play that Dutch football is famed for.
The remaining 18 months of his contract might be just enough to achieve this.