Yes, especially on the pitch –trying to guide the players, putting them in the right place and trying to help the young kids, There are a lot of talented players and sometimes they just miss this little tactical thing and this little tactical position. That’s where I can jump in and put them right.
So why did you choose Korea?
After Turkey, I went back to Holland to AZ with my old coach Van Gaal. I’m from Holland but things have changed there and I didn’t play bazaar want to stay too long. I wanted to leave for a new challenge, I am still ambitious.
You went to Toronto?
I went to America. They were interested and I wanted to go and see. I’ve seen it and experienced it and it was not quite what I thought it would be.
In what way?
In all ways actually. Football is still not at the level that they want it to be or it is still not at the level that they are saying it is. Technically, tactically it is at quite a low level. It is a level that you can still play when you are 35. I had too much ambition to play there.
So you came to Korea.
Yes, Coach Gunes was interested. He is a name and a type of coach that is famous as he did a good job with Turkey at the 2002 World Cup. I had an idea that he was a good coach and has an idea of what he wants. He wanted to put something down, and he knew the way I worked so I thought ‘why not’?
Seongnam were also interested. Why did you choose Seoul?
Well, Seongnam was interested but I was actually waiting for people to make a move so I could see what is going on. I must say that maybe FC Seoul has a little more prestige and this is the capital. But you never know what will happen in the future (laughs).
Some may say think that you are now 30 and have come to Korea just for a payday. What would you say to that?
I came here because it is a new challenge for me. I want people to remember me in a good way. I am still 30 and still ambitious and came to do what I do all the time and make a difference.
You saw the big Seoul-Suwon match. You have played in many big games in Europe. How did the atmosphere and occasion compare?
The atmosphere was definitely one of a big game and the fans were loud and there was a lot going on, on and off the pitch. It was similar to other countries.
So when you watched that game, did you think ‘I can make a difference to this team’?
Yes, definitely. When I saw them play I know can try to help and give everything and then you never know how things will work out.
So basically playing football is the same job everywhere you go…
Yes, it is all the same principle. Nothing happens by itself, you have to go out there and make things happen and work hard. It is a job you have to do, it doesn’t matter where you play. It is the same job, the same dirty job and you have to work hard wherever you go.
How about communication?
It is more difficult on the pitch. There are a couple of guys who speak good English that explain things to me.
Do you feel the Korean players talk a lot on the pitch?
No, I must say they don’t talk at all. It is little details than can make a big difference. There is little communication and that is something that you can bring into the situation and give them messages when you pass the ball.
You said after your first match, you were impressed with the tempo and the skill levels. But in comparison to where?
In comparison to Spain and the Netherlands. One thing is obvious. The Korean players are faster because they are more agile. They move a lot and they run faster, this is something that we can’t deny. The tempo was quite high.
But by the end of the game, in the last 20-25 minutes, you can see that they slow down and then you get the space to play more.
I know it’s tough after just one game but can you say which country’s football Korean football is most similar to?
It is tough to say but teams seem to like to play the ball around like Holland, it’s all about the ball. Some teams seem to drop back and play the counter and long ball.
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