Former Rangers manager Dick Advocaat could be set for a sensational return to international management with Curacao, just weeks before the nation’s historic World Cup debut.
The Dutchman stepped down from his role earlier this year due to concerns surrounding his daughter’s health after guiding the Caribbean side to their first-ever World Cup qualification campaign.
Dick Advocaat set for World Cup return
However, reports in the Netherlands now suggest Advocaat, 78, is open to resuming the position following improvements in her condition.
Curacao’s football federation had initially thrown its backing behind successor Fred Rutten.
This is despite growing unrest around the national side following defeats to China and Australia in March.
Yet only days later, Rutten resigned after what were described as “open and constructive” discussions.
“A climate that damages professional relationships among players and staff must not be allowed to emerge,” Rutten explained.
“It is prudent to step back.
“Time is pressing and Curacao must move forward.”
Should Advocaat return, he would become the oldest manager in World Cup history.
He would return as Curacao prepare to face Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast in Group E this summer.
An Ibrox dugout legend
For Rangers supporters, the story serves as another reminder of one of the most transformative managerial reigns in the modern history of Ibrox.
Advocaat arrived in Glasgow in 1998 and immediately elevated standards both on and off the pitch.
Completely transforming the club after Rangers’ failed ten-in-a-row bid.
Backed heavily in the transfer market, the Dutchman delivered two Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup during his three-and-a-half-year spell in charge.
Beyond silverware, the ‘Little General’ modernised Rangers structurally.
The club’s training complex was developed during his tenure.
While his recruitment and tactical approach dragged Rangers closer to the continental model dominating European football at the turn of the century.
His Rangers side blended technical quality with authority and clear tactical identity.
Players such as Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Barry Ferguson, Arthur Numan and Jorg Albertz thrived in a disciplined but expansive system that routinely overwhelmed domestic opponents.
What Rangers are missing
That clarity has become a growing point of comparison at Ibrox amid mounting scrutiny on current head coach Danny Rohl.
Rohl has come under increasing pressure following Rangers’ collapse in the title race and a damaging run of defeats, culminating in the recent 3-1 Old Firm loss to Celtic.
While the German initially revived Rangers’ campaign and restored belief during the winter months, questions are now being asked about tactical consistency, squad balance and the team’s mentality in decisive moments.
Unlike Advocaat, whose Rangers side quickly established a recognisable identity built on control and aggressive attacking football.
While Rohl’s team has often appeared uncertain structurally.
This has been particularly clear in wide areas and defensive transitions.
Constant rotation in attacking positions and ongoing issues down the right flank have only intensified criticism from supporters and former players alike.
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Advocaat’s greatest strength at Rangers was arguably authority.
His pedigree commanded immediate respect, and his teams reflected that certainty on the pitch.
Even during difficult European nights, Rangers under the Dutchman rarely looked devoid of direction or conviction.
Rohl is now battling to convince sections of the support that he can deliver a long-term winning project at Ibrox.
Fan frustration is growing rapidly after Rangers slipped behind both Celtic and Hearts in the Premiership table.
With a third-placed finish now confirmed for the first time in seven years.
Whether Advocaat returns to Curacao or not, his enduring reputation in Glasgow underlines the standards by which every Rangers manager is ultimately judged.
