Jan Roelfs Interview

Soccerphile did a spot of Seoul-searching to track down a Dutch master, Jan Roelfs, one of brains behind the Orange revolution going on behind the scenes of the Korean national side.

Soccerphile: What is your background?
Jan Roelfs: I studied political science and international relations in Amsterdam. I then worked briefly for an international communications company but I didn't like it that much – office work. So I began working for a Dutch TV station; first regular news, then sports (which I liked much more) then finally I was a host/commentator on Dutch TV. That's how I got to meet Mr. Hiddink. He was national coach of Holland from 1996-98, and at that time I was commentating on Dutch national team games. I then switched to a pay TV station and Mr. Hiddink and I did the commentary on Spanish football. We traveled quite a bit to Spain together and that's how we began to talk about his projects, what was going on. He asked me…and also I suggested to him that I could be of assistance to him in Korea. I wanted to do something different.

Soccerphile: Do you enjoy your job?
Jan Roelfs: Yes, now I am trying to enjoy the experience as everything goes so fast. You meet a lot of people. I'm busy with everything from Mr. Hiddink to the kit man, from commercial things to dealing with the press. I'm involved with everything. It's hectic but it's a totally new experience compared with my old job.

Soccerphile: Is this your first time in the Far East?
Jan Roelfs: Yes, I've visited Singapore and Australia, but I'd never been to Korea or Japan before.

Soccerphile: What are the cultural differences that either help or hinder your work here?
Jan Roelfs: What helps me is that basically everything is really well organised. If we ask for anything, it is done. People have been very helpful. One difference that strikes me is that if you worked for the Dutch FA it is kind of a leisure environment. But here in Korea, in the office everyone wears suits and ties. That's a big difference. I had to adjust a little bit to that. I'll put on a tie. Everything is generally more formal. Another thing compared to Europe is that there is no backstabbing. However, the Koreans are very surprised when we three Dutchmen make fun of each other. They would never make fun of someone in a higher position to their face. But now they have accepted it and for them it is a nice mix of culture.

Soccerphile: Has there been a lot of Dutch media interest in your appointments?
Jan Roelfs: Yes, Dutch TV was here making a documentary. But it depends on Holland qualifying. But there will be a lot of attention from papers in the Netherlands, Spain and the rest of Europe.

Soccerphile: When Sven Goran Eriksson was appointed as the first foreign coach of the English team there was a lot of adverse comment.
Jan Roelfs: Here in Korea Mr.Hiddink's appointment was welcomed.

Soccerphile: Doesn't that add to the pressure to succeed?
Jan Roelfs: Yes. In the first match in Hong Kong I really felt the pressure in the dressing room. It was like a World Cup final for the players, they were nervous. It was the first match with Mr.Hiddink in charge. For me that level of tension was a new experience. It's completely different from the world of journalism. Okay, I was nervous before I had to commentate, but this was different.
We lost to Norway 3-2, the tension in the locker-room was a weird experience, I must say. Mr. Hiddink is so experienced the pressure doesn't bother him at all. That's why he is a top coach.

Soccerphile: What is the schedule you have prepared for the national side?
Jan Roelfs: In April 2001 we play a tournament in Egypt with Canada, Iran and Egypt. In May we have the Confederations Cup in Korea and Japan with Brazil, France, Mexico, Canada, Cameroon, and Australia. In 2002, the league in Korea has been cancelled to aid preparations. So we will start preparing from January 2002 onwards to the World Cup.

Soccerphile: What are the strengths of Korean football?
Jan Roelfs: Fighting spirit, technique – compared with some players in Europe they can use both feet. There are a number of Korean players gaining experience in Europe.

Soccerphile: Mr. Hiddink promises to bring an international dimension to the Korean side. Can you explain more what this means?
Jan Roelfs: There is a lack of ‘international dimension' within the team. It is a way of thinking. That is exactly the coach's added value. He doesn't have to teach the players any new skills. Having worked with a lot of big stars, Romario, Raul, Bergkamp, he knows how to trigger these players. He knows the mental game a little bit more. He knows how to play tactically. That's why the KFA hired him. There is no coach in Korea with his level of international experience that you need on a stage like the World Cup. You really feel that the team listens to him, looks up to him.

Soccerphile: Are there any new methods of motivation you are using with the team?
Jan Roelfs: We are using video in a professional way. In this day and age it is better for players to see what they do wrong, what they do well. We work with an American video analyst from California. He makes a computer analysis of each player. We hope to use him throughout the World Cup.

Soccerphile: Will you be travelling to Europe to see the Korean players there?
Jan Roelfs: Yes, and to Japan where quite a few of our top players play. We will go to Europe to watch opponents.

Soccerphile: Is home advantage important?
Jan Roelfs: It's different here but I don't know; but I hope so.

Soccerphile: Is there any ill feeling between Korea and Japan?
Jan Roelfs: We are aware of the historical background. But personally I feel the situation with North Korea is more interesting. Only an hour from here they live in a totally different world. Negative feeling towards Japan is not an issue among the technical staff. Not at all. For the players, the J-League represents a big opportunity in their careers.

Soccerphile: How do you measure your success?
Jan Roelfs: If we reach the second round of the World Cup. On a personal level, allowing Mr. Hiddink to focus on his job and creating a positive atmosphere among the technical staff.

Soccerphile: As of April 2001 none of the Korean stadiums are completed. Are you confident they will be?
Jan Roelfs: There is no doubt about that. Things happen on time here.

Soccerphile: Are your appointments a sign that Korea is internationalizing?
Jan Roelfs: I'm not too sure. This mobile phone only works in Korea. That says so much about their culture. In the Netherlands we wouldn't think of developing a phone that only works in Holland. The players tend to depend too much on translators when communicating with the coaches and don't make an effort to understand.

Soccerphile: Is there a Dutch community in Seoul?
Jan Roelfs: 120 people – business expats, ABN Bank, Phillips, ING Bank, the Embassy.

Soccerphile: Is the first Asian World Cup going to be different?
Jan Roelfs: The language barrier is a problem. Somehow I don't picture English hooligans in Seoul or Swedish supporters with painted faces wandering around town. We'll see.

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