Ruud van Nistelrooy becomes Netherlands assistant, first job since Leicester City exit | OneFootball

Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken his first role since leaving Leicester City, joining the Netherlands set-up for their World Cup campaign in North America.

According to LeicesterMercury.co.uk, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker has linked up as Ronald Koeman's assistant coach.

The Netherlands will face Japan, Tunisia, and the winner of the play-off between Ukraine, Sweden, Poland and Albania in the group stage.

Van Nistelrooy described the return as an honour and a wonderful challenge, saying the World Cup build-up makes it even more special. He said he looks forward to contributing to a successful tournament. Koeman said his style and top-level experience can add real value to the staff.

He spent six months at City in his second permanent senior management job. Early improvements did not translate into results, and from February City went on a run of defeats without scoring.

Only after relegation was confirmed did performances improve, with enough points to finish as the best of the relegated sides. After a month of speculation, he left in late June, with Marti Cifuentes coming in to replace him. In the seven months since his exit, he had been linked with club roles in the Netherlands.

Source: LeicesterMercury.co.uk