Fred Rutten resigns as Curacao head coach as talks of Dick Advocaat return emerge

[p]The ‌resignation marks a sharp reversal for the ‌FFK, which on Friday issued a firm rejection of ‌calls from players and sponsors to reinstate ‌Advocaat.[/p][p]The FFK said Rutten’s departure followed "open and constructive" talks between the coach and federation president Gilbert Martina. The ‌federation noted that while Rutten was ⁠not the direct ‌subject of internal dispute, he chose to step down to ​protect the squad’s professional environment.[/p][p][b]"A climate that damages healthy professional relationships among players ​and staff must not be allowed to emerge," [/b]Rutten was quoted as saying in a federation ⁠statement on social ​media. [b]"It is prudent to step back. Time is pressing and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/curacao/bLLGpOkQ/"]Curacao[/a] must move forward."[/b][/p][embed guid="110f9b50-7c62-4ab0-b966-4606d87f0ef6" url="https://x.com/TheBlueWaveFFK/status/2053902644402684303?s=20" social-type="twitter" /][p]Advocaat, 78, led the Caribbean island to historic World Cup qualification last ‌November but stepped down in February to care for his daughter, who was suffering from a serious illness. Rutten was then appointed as his replacement.[/p][p]Dutch media reports on Monday suggested that Advocaat is now open to a return following improvements in his daughter's health.[/p][p]The veteran coach, who would become the oldest manager in World Cup ‌history if he travels to the tournament, is ​backed by a significant portion of the dressing ‌room, reports said.[/p][p]A press conference has been scheduled for Tuesday to provide further details on the transition.[/p][p]Curacao begin their World Cup campaign with a Group E match against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/germany/ptQide1O/"]Germany[/a] in [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/curacao-bLLGpOkQ/germany-ptQide1O/?mid=dtiRRcc6"]⁠Houston on June ⁠14[/a].[/p]