Tuesday, 16th September, 2014
Marco van Basten has sprung a surprise by standing down as AZ Alkmaar coach and taking a role as an assistant at the Eredivisie side.
Van Basten has been on leave for the last two weeks due to health issues and has now taken the decision to stand down from the head coach role due to "increasing mental and physical discomfort".
The former AC Milan striker explained via the club's site: "I have found that in recent times the role of head coach was causing me increasing physical and mental discomfort.
"Therefore I decided I had to be honest with myself and with AZ. I wanted to return, but not as head coach."
And Van Basten, having held talks with the club, will now take a role as an assistant coach, while his assistant Alex Pastoor is tipped to succeed him as head coach.
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"After extensive discussions with the club and 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", Van Basten added.
The 49-year-old started his coaching career working with Ajax's youth team before taking over as Netherlands boss from 2004 until 2008.
He then had a stint in charge of the senior side at Ajax, followed by a two-year spell at Heerenveen, after spending three years out of the game.
Van Basten took over at AZ earlier this summer.
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