Kluivert lauds coaching mentors

Patrick Kluivert hopes working alongside Steve McClaren and Louis van Gaal will strengthen his bid to embark on a managerial career.

The former Netherlands and Barcelona forward has taken his first steps into management by spending time with McLaren at FC Twente and Van Gaal with the Dutch national team.

“It’s a great opportunity to prove myself as an assistant coach,” Kluivert said.

“Some players that are now in the national team I played with, so the communication and working with those guys is perfect.

“I’ve had my (coaching) licence now for four years and I’ve been with a few clubs in Holland.

“I’m still learning, but if you can learn and win, and win the championship, that’s a positive thing.

“It’s also very important how the players respond to what I’m doing, and from my point of view they’re responding very well and I’m happy to work with the players I’m with now.”

Kluivert also enjoyed playing stints with AC Milan and Newcastle United.