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Van Basten selects new AZ role

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"I am happy with my new role, a bit more in the shadows," said Marco van Basten after opting to relinquish his role as AZ Alkmaar coach to become assistant boss.

Marco van Basten has stepped down from the front line at AZ
Marco van Basten has stepped down from the front line at AZ ©AFP

Marco van Basten has stepped down as coach of AZ Alkmaar after being on sick leave for several weeks, but will stay at the club as assistant boss.

The 49-year-old former AFC Ajax and AC Milan striker said: "I have noticed in recent years that coaching has caused me more and more physical and mental problems. That is why I have decided to be honest with myself and AZ. I am eager to return to the training pitch, but not as coach. I told AZ this and after intensive talks with AZ, Alex Pastoor and Dennis Haar [both of whom were assisting Van Basten] we have found a fitting solution for all parties. I am happy with my new role, a bit more in the shadows."

Van Basten wrote his name in Dutch footballing history with a spectacular goal against the Soviet Union in the final of the 1988 UEFA European Championship, and started coaching the national team in 2004, leading the Oranje to UEFA EURO 2008. Since then he has been in charge at Ajax and sc Heerenveen, taking command at AZ this summer.

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