The decision has drawn criticism from Bogarde and commentators alike, with the former Ajax and Chelsea defender labelling it “narrow-minded, pathetic, and sad.”
Bogarde, who broke into professional football at Sparta in the early 1990s, expressed frustration over lingering resentment from his departure to Ajax in 1994. “For a record amount, while I had arrived at Sparta for free,” Bogarde told VI. “For an expense allowance of two hundred guilders per month. There was never any appreciation. I had to start an arbitration case just to get half of the promised part of the transfer fee.”
The arbitration dispute and other incidents from the 1990s, including a clash with supporters in 1996, appear to have influenced Sparta’s decision. Maurice Steijn, appointed as Sparta’s head coach a month ago, had reportedly sought Bogarde’s expertise to enhance the team’s defensive strategies. However, the club’s management vetoed the move, citing the historical controversies.
“They still seem to hold it against me,” Bogarde said. “I could have been assistant coach at Sparta now. Maurice Steijn wanted that, but the club management stopped it. Because of something that happened thirty years ago.”
Journalist Hugo Borst, speaking on ESPN’s De Eretribune, shed light on the situation, stating that the past grievances between Bogarde and Sparta—particularly the arbitration case—remain a stumbling block. Borst criticised the club for clinging to history and failing to acknowledge the value Bogarde could bring.
“Winston told me that he can’t start working at Sparta now because this happened in the past. Guys, get over the past,” Borst urged, adding that Bogarde’s expertise could greatly benefit Sparta.
Sparta, struggling in the Eredivisie this season, remain in 16th place after three matches under Steijn, with no points gained. The decision to block Bogarde’s return has sparked debate over whether the club is prioritising old disputes over its current needs.
Site Opinion
Sparta Rotterdam’s decision to block Winston Bogarde’s appointment as assistant coach reflects a concerning inability to move past historical grievances. At a time when the club finds itself near the bottom of the Eredivisie table, the focus should be on leveraging expertise to address on-field issues. Bogarde’s wealth of experience, including stints at Ajax, Chelsea, and AC Milan, could have provided invaluable support to the defensive unit.
While past disputes may have left a bitter taste, holding onto grudges from the 1990s does little to serve Sparta’s present needs. Football, as a dynamic and ever-changing sport, demands pragmatism and forward-thinking. By sidelining a professional of Bogarde’s calibre over historical incidents, Sparta risks missing out on a chance to rejuvenate their season and set a new precedent for progress over pettiness.
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