A mini coup for us here at TGB. I was very pleased to get the chance to send our "10 questions" to Dutch Goalkeeping legend Hans Van Breukelen ... one of my all time favourite goalkeepers. You will notice the 10 questions got reduced to 8, as I think a couple of questions got lost in translation between Kiwi/Aussie/Dutch
Many thanks to Hans for taking the time to answer our questions.
How do you motivate a goalkeeper who has had a bad run of form?
Think about the best games you played, the best saves you made. Create again a good feeling. Manage your feelings and bring yourself back in a good mood. Positive thinking in pictures, words and feeling bring back the form.
Rank the in order of importance for a goalkeeper: Fitness ,Catching Ability/Footwork, Agility, CommunicationTalent and attitude/ determination are the most important ones. Preparation is also a key issue. The skills, tactics and physiek you can improve by working very hard. Goalkeeping is a way of life to get the best out of yourself.
Who was your goalkeeping idol?Severals dutch goalkeepers at that time: Jan van Beveren, Piet Schrijvers, Pim Doesburg and Jan Jongbloed. All had there own qualitys and I thought: " if I can combine those qualitys, I can be a good goalkeeper."
Which goalkeepers do you think are currently at their best?Van der Sar is currently number 1 in the world! Very consistent, solid and important for the team as a leader.
If you could train any goalkeeper, who would it be? (past or present)Maarten Stekelenburg of Ajax, Piet Velhuizen van Vitesse, Michel Vorm of FC Utrecht. All young dutch goalkeepers with a lot of potentials.
Can you give one piece of advice for young goalkeepers?Enjoy goalkeeping!!!
What is your favourite goalkeeper glove of all time?Reusch and Uhlsport. Both gloves has given me the good feeling.
How difficult is it for a Goalkeeper Coach when the Manager does not agree with your starting keeper choice?The main issue is: does a goalkeeper fits into a team. Different tactics ask for a different goalkeeper. It's just more than stop balls. What about trust? Why do you need a goalkeepers coach? Agree or leave is my advice.
This was great. Thanks Jimmy.
HVB is a all time favorite of mine. Love the dutch attitude that having fun is an integral part of the game.