Arsenal-Mania

Bergkamp: I just want to be a coach

By Jonathan Chong on Thursday, May 29, 2008

Former striker and Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp has said that he has no intentions of being a manager, and just wants to be involved in the coaching side of the game.

Bergkamp is currently studying for his coaching license, and many Arsenal fans are pining for the Iceman to be back in London Colney, passing on his knowledge of the game to manager Arsčne Wenger's young charges.

He said: "I don't foresee a role like Arsčne Wenger has at Arsenal in my coaching future.

"I don't see me in the manager's role, 24 hours a day, seven days a week into football.

"That seems to be too much. Private time is worth a lot to me. I prefer the Dutch model of coaching, above the English of managing.

"I want to be out on the field, among the players. It is that that I missed most the last two years.

"My passion for football is still huge. It is only recently that I feel like this. I want to stay committed to football. I don't know if I want to become a coach soon. I first want to have a good look around and learn a lot.

"What I have been doing the last two years? Well, nothing spectacular really. I enjoyed life and my family.

"We went around and I used the time to take some distance from football after all those intensive years. Two years pass by quickly, I can assure you.

"I think the time is right to step back in it. Now I can make my official coaching documents in one year's time. I think I should not be too much time away from football."

Bergkamp will spend some time with Ajax after the summer, where he began his career before he moved to Inter Milan and then Highbury.

He added: "I've always thought I would end my career at Ajax, from the age of 30, 32.

"But it simply wasn't to be. Things have gone the other way and I don't regret that. I have been in England for thirteen years, a time I could never have imagined when I left for England. I moved back to Holland. It really feels like coming home."

User Comments

9

Djordiman-DB10Wonderland

Posted on 2 Jun, 2008 at 04:32 AM - Reply

Kept remembering his goal against Ayala and also
one that against Schmeichel :)

Don't think he's fit into a manager role.
More into Pat Rice's role i guess.

With him as AW no.2, no player (especially trainee) who will not be serious while on training.
Maybe will be like Zico's effect on Besiktas players.

8

Davey_Boy

Posted on 1 Jun, 2008 at 11:45 AM - Reply

A True footballing superstar was never a premadonna as a player just a great one and I'm sure he will be the same when it comes to coaching

7

nathan

Posted on 30 May, 2008 at 10:23 AM - Reply

I salute you Sir DENNIS

6

Benz

Posted on 30 May, 2008 at 04:34 AM - Reply

I salute him. He is my idol. Goals were flying in beautifully. His passing is so precise, as if it is laser-guided. He reads the game like a spy satelite,nothing escape his attention.Truly my hero and god of football.

5

Ralz

Posted on 30 May, 2008 at 01:26 AM - Reply

Ade's ability to be in the right place with Bergkamp's first touch would give Ronaldo a run for the Goal scoring honourz...
Wish he comes back as a coach sometime soon...