Curacao's manager Fred Rutten has resigned just a month before the country's World Cup debut. The decision comes after a disappointing start, with Curacao losing both of Rutten's matches in charge.
Key points
Fred Rutten resigned as manager of Curacao.
Curacao is the smallest country to qualify for the World Cup.
Rutten led Curacao in only two matches, both losses.
The squad announcement has been delayed due to the managerial change.
Curacao's first World Cup game is just a month away.
CuracaoChinaAustralia
The smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup has no manager with the first game of the tournament just a month away.
Fred Rutten has stepped down as manager of Curacao, a nation with a population of just more than 150,000 people, the country's soccer federation confirmed Monday, May 11. The statement said that the board will meet today to decide on next steps with a news conference taking place Tuesday, May 12.
“There must not be a climate that harms healthy professional relationships within the team or staff. That is why stepping down is the right decision," Rutten said in a federation news release. "Time is pressing and Curaçao must move forward. I regret how things unfolded, but I wish everyone the best.”
Rutten hadn't really had time to make much of an impression. The former PSV manager led Curacao in only two matches, falling to China 2-0 and Australia 5-1 in March friendly contests. With 55-man provisional rosters due to FIFA on Monday, May 11, the Curacao squad was set to be announced May 12, but that now has been delayed.
Spain – 17th appearance
Brazil – 23rd appearance
United States of America – 12th appearance
Q&A
Why did Curacao's manager Fred Rutten step down?
Fred Rutten stepped down to prevent a negative climate affecting professional relationships within the team, citing the need for Curacao to move forward.
What were the results of Curacao's matches under Fred Rutten?
Under Fred Rutten, Curacao lost both matches, falling 2-0 to China and 5-1 to Australia in friendly contests.
When is Curacao's first World Cup game?
Curacao's first World Cup game is scheduled for June 2023, just a month after Rutten's resignation.
What will happen to Curacao's squad announcement after Rutten's resignation?
The announcement of Curacao's 55-man provisional roster, originally due on May 11, has been delayed following Rutten's resignation.
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Will Dick Advocaat return as Curacao manager?
Reports from Curacao and the Netherlands, of which Curacao is a constituent country, indicate that players and sponsors pushed to have Rutten removed in hopes veteran manager Dick Advocaat would return. The 78-year-old stepped down earlier this year to assist his daughter, who is struggling with health issues. Shortly after, though, he also agreed to serve as an adviser for Dutch club Feyenoord.
If he re-takes the job, he would become the oldest manager ever to coach at the World Cup.
While Advocaat was still the manager, Curacao clinched qualification without the veteran coach. After the penultimate qualification match, Advocaat went back ot the Netherlands for a family emergency, and Curacao saw out the draw it needed in Jamaica with assistants Cor Pot and Dean Gorre stepping in.
Curacao meets Scotland in Glasgow on May 30, then has a send-off game at home against Aruba before a June 14 World Cup debut against Germany.
