From the Netherlands to Bali: Jeffrey Talan’s Global Path | OneFootball

A longtime football man, Jeffrey Talan reflects on his career, the injury that cut it short, and his venture into coaching. 

When you examine Jeffrey Talan’s career from afar, it looks quite accomplished. Nearly 300 total combined appearances for ADO Den Haag and Heerenveen, 69 total goals scored, and eight appearances for the Dutch national team.

But with context, there is a slightly tragic touch to Talan’s playing days — a tinge of “what if?” caused by a knee injury that cut his career short.

But instead of sulking in bitterness, Talan has continued to carve his own space in the sport, and ventured into coaching at various levels and countries. He’s held spots across the youth and senior ranks of his former club Heerenveen in addition to the Netherlands U-21 national team, and currently is an assistant for Bali United in the Indonesian Super League.

In an exclusive interview with Talan, we spoke with the Dutch coach about his career, playing under coaches such as Frank Rijkaard and Louis Van Gaal, his connection with Indonesia through his father’s roots, and following in the footsteps of his brother, who also had a successful playing career.

Urban Pitch: Can you walk me through your most memorable match as a player? Perhaps your first hat trick against Utrecht or your Champions League goal against Lyon?

Jeffrey Talan: In my first season, we played at home against FC Utrecht, and I scored a hat trick in a 3–0 win. My brother Ricky also scored a hat trick against FC Utrecht at one point. We are probably the only brothers who have ever scored a hat trick against the same club at the highest level. Additionally, scoring in the Champions League and for the Dutch national team are beautiful moments that will always stay with me.

What did it mean to represent your country?

I am incredibly proud to have represented the Dutch national team. Over a period of two years, I played eight matches, which could have been more if injuries hadn’t affected me. The highlight was, of course, the goal against Ireland.

During your time with the Netherlands national team, you worked with Frank Rijkaard and Louis Van Gaal. What was that like?

Van Gaal and Rijkaard are two very different coaches. The big difference for me was that Rijkaard is more emotional and spoke with me more. Van Gaal was more direct and very passionate on and around the field. Both are excellent coaches who understand their craft.

You missed EURO 2000 due to a serious knee injury. How did that affect your mindset and career?

I was really disappointed to miss the European Championship. Especially later in my career, this felt like a big loss. I had knee problems for almost my entire career, just like my brother, who had to stop at the age of 28. I knew I wouldn’t have a long career because of that, which is why I’m even prouder of what I ultimately achieved.

The knee injury eventually led to your retirement in 2002. How difficult was that decision?

I wasn’t very disappointed because I knew this moment would come. It wasn’t fun at the time, but afterward, I switched gears and moved on.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bali United FC (@baliunitedfc)

What inspired you to go into coaching after your playing career?

I love being on the field and working to make players better. In the beginning, it was mainly with the youngest age groups, but nowadays I focus more on mature players and young talents.

How was the shift from youth coaching to becoming an assistant coach with Heerenveen’s first team?

When I started coaching youth teams, I also immediately assisted with Johnny Jansen’s team. Together, we did great work and had a lot of fun. It became my wish to become an assistant coach with the first team when Johnny Jansen became head coach, and in the end, that also happened.

As an assistant coach, how do you see your role within the staff?

My role is quite significant. I’m responsible for the attacking strategy, playing style, and attacking game plan against upcoming opponents. I work individually with attackers and focus on team tactics. I also collaborate with the other assistants with the academy talent group and the first team.

Working with the Netherlands U-21, how would you describe that experience?

Working with young talents from the Dutch national team was a great experience. It allowed me to see what needs to be improved at that level to develop and win. Working together for two years toward becoming European champions was a wonderful challenge, and being part of that staff was extremely educational and beneficial for my development.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bali United FC (@baliunitedfc)

You recently moved to Bali United as an assistant coach. What motivated that move?

I went abroad because I wanted to experience that again, as I didn’t have the chance to do so as a player.

How have your Indonesian roots influenced you personally and professionally?

Indonesia has always been a great option for me because that’s where my roots are. My father is from Banda Neira, and I still have family living in Indonesia. I see it as a great opportunity to share knowledge and help raise the level of football in the country.

Your older brother Ricky, was also a professional footballer. What role did he play in your career?

My brother was very important to me and was my role model. We had a 10-year age difference, and I always went to watch AZ ’67 training sessions during the holidays. After he retired, he helped me with career decisions and supported me during contract negotiations.

You faced a serious injury that ended your playing career. How did you mentally cope with it?

I faced many setbacks in my career, and becoming a professional footballer was never a given, not only because of injuries. That’s why I always say there are multiple paths to achieving your goals, and you should never give up. Who knows, there may be another route to having a great career.

What do you think about the current Eredivisie season, and who do you think will win the title?

There is a clear top four or five in the Eredivisie. I believe PSV are ultimately the strongest, while Ajax are having a very difficult year. There’s also a large group that could be relegated, as the differences are becoming smaller. I expect SC Heerenveen to be a positive surprise and finish in the top eight, along with FC Groningen.

Finally, what are your thoughts on the Netherlands national team heading into the World Cup?

It’s good that the Netherlands qualified, and they did so relatively smoothly, even if the football wasn’t always spectacular. I believe they will have a team at the World Cup that can compete for the title. Individually, there is a lot of quality, and hopefully that will also come together as a team.