I blame: Former AC Milan star Clarence Seedorf claims the old continent does not give equal opportunities to black coaches • "Why did Henry Vieira have to go to the US and Canada to get a chance?"
Seedorf (left) with Cloiber.
Two years have passed since his last job as Cameroon coach
Photo:
AFP
In an interview with Italian Gazzetta dello Sport, Dutch coach Clarence Seedorf comes out against what he calls "inequality of opportunity for black coaches in Europe".
The 44-year-old former Milan star, who has played in Italy for more than a decade, is angry that the old continent is in fact revealing the black coaches to other continents so they have a chance to break out.
“Why did coaches like Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira have to go as far as the US and Canada for a chance?” He wonders.
"Black coaches do not have an equal opportunity in Europe. It is enough to look at the existing data to understand that no black person is in a key position in European football," Seedorf added.
He said that after being appointed AC Milan interim coach during the 2013/2014 season, he expected to continue with it for another season due to his achievements, but the Rossoneri pulled the time and finally turned to another option.
"I regret that I accepted other offers," said Seedorf, who feared missing out on good opportunities, while AC Milan were reluctant to extend his contract and appoint him permanent coach.
He later traveled to China, but the insult remained: "I played 12 years in Italy, but after the short period as Milan coach, even though I did a good job, I received zero inquiries. Even in my country, the Netherlands, no one called to offer me a coaching shift."
Seedorf, whose last coaching job was for Cameroon and ended in 2019, concludes: "The lack of equal opportunity for black coaches should worry society. People who can really change this situation need to take responsibility for it and make sure people are selected for positions based on personal skills. Diversity is important." .