Andries Jonker has been appointed as the head coach of the Netherlands women’s national football team, leading them into Euro 2025. This appointment is a watershed moment in his tenure. He came in with tons of experience from the men’s game, having low key huge ambitions for his team. With a strong belief in the capabilities of women’s football, Jonker aims to enhance the Netherlands’ performance on the international stage.
Jonker, one of the few men to break through the glass ceiling to coach in the women’s game, has lofty expectations for his team. And as if foreshadowing the struggles to come, he spoke openly of his disappointment after lackluster performances against Germany and Scotland in early June. Even with those failures, Wright remains encouraging about their promise. More than anything else, he’s hellbent on leading them to glory in next year’s World Cup.
Jonker’s footballing pedigree can’t be overstated. He’s played a part in developing many footballing luminaries, but his most visible work has come with legendary names in the sport, like Louis van Gaal at Bayern Munich and Barcelona. His experience does not stop at the men’s football. He’s worked with star players including Vivianne Miedema and Arjen Robben. These encounters have influenced his coaching philosophy and empowered him to play the role of an arbiter between men’s and women’s football.
After two years as the head coach, Jonker knows the drill. In the other opening round match, the Netherlands will take on England, in Switzerland. This match is particularly noteworthy, as Sarina Wiegman led England to victory in the tournament they co-hosted with the Netherlands in 2017. Jonker understands the weight of this matchup and wants to get his team ready for it.
His formative experiences guide the collaborative coaching style Jonker uses today. He talks extensively about how influential Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff were in helping him develop his footballing philosophy.
“The influence of Rinus Michels, of Johan Cruyff… that made me the football lover I am,” – Andries Jonker
Jonker’s approach emphasizes physical development and quick thinking, noting how today’s players differ from those in previous generations.
“You develop with the game, new influences come. In the end, you find yourself becoming a completely different coach. I am much better now than I was 20 years ago,” – Andries Jonker
His intellect extends beyond the X’s and O’s of coaching to the beauty of singular talent as well. Most of the world would consider Xavi one of the top 5 midfielders to ever play the game.
“The men and women of this century cannot be compared to the men and women of the last century. The game has developed very much physically, it is at a higher tempo so the brain and the feet have to be quicker,” – Andries Jonker
Jonker’s eye for talent stretches into women’s football as well, where he has been looking to change the perception of what is possible. He wishes for more credit to go to the women players, similar to their male counterparts.
“It has to be Xavi at Barcelona,” – Andries Jonker
Looking forward, Jonker is realistic about the road still to travel. On the prospect that some view Wales as a push-over, he’s said that he thinks that they would be mistaken.
“He wasn’t tall. He wasn’t quick. He wasn’t really strong physically. But in the head, I have not seen any player better than he was,” – Andries Jonker
His commitment to women’s football goes deeper than just winning matches. He wants to play a role in advancing the game to new heights and levels.
“You saw players getting prizes for being the best player. It was always for the top scorer, for Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi… But we should have given Xavi a prize for being, for 10 years, the best midfielder in the world,” – Andries Jonker
With Euro 2025 just around the corner, hopes will be high on Jonker and his team. What he doesn’t waver on is their power to shine on this big stage.
“Everybody in my environment seems to think Wales are a piece of cake. And I think they are all wrong. I think Wales is tough. I do not have any sand in my eyes,” – Andries Jonker
His commitment to women’s football extends beyond mere results; he aims to contribute to its growth and development.
“When I accepted the job, I said two things. One, I wanted to enjoy a World Cup and a European Championship. The second thing was to help women’s football make a few steps forward. I think we did that,” – Andries Jonker
As Euro 2025 approaches, expectations are high for Jonker and his squad. He firmly believes in their ability to perform well on this grand stage.
“At the very least, we have to play a great tournament,” – Andries Jonker
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