Winston Bogarde, the former defender turned coach, remains optimistic about his professional future, particularly with Sparta Rotterdam, who have expressed interest. Speaking on the show Goedemorgen Eredivisie, Bogarde confirmed, “I had a good conversation with Maurice Steijn and Gerard Nijkamp. Afterward, it was just waiting to see what would happen.” At 54, Bogarde was considered for the role of assistant coach at Sparta but has yet to receive any contract offer, stating, “No, there hasn’t been a contract offered. I put two options on the table, either full-time or as part-time individual coaching, focusing particularly on defenders.” He added, “If Sparta knocks again, as far as I’m concerned, the door is still open.”
Besides his interest from Sparta, Bogarde has also been vocal about his current work, especially with players like Matthijs de Ligt. During the same episode, he assessed de Ligt's performance with Manchester United following his much-criticized moves from Ajax to Juventus and later to Bayern Munich. “Matthijs has not necessarily slowed down, but he’s been less positionally capable,” Bogarde observed. This probing insight came after Han Kraay Jr. posed a seemingly straightforward yet provocative question about de Ligt’s speed, which resulted in Bogarde elaborately explaining the importance of positional play over raw speed.
De Ligt first rose to prominence as Ajax’s captain, leading them to the Champions League semifinals before his expensive transfer to Juventus. Despite being crowned Bundesliga champion with Bayern Munich, he struggled to replicate his earlier success and faced difficulties integrating with Manchester United. “He needs time to adjust to the intensity of the Premier League,” Bogarde emphasized. “It’s not necessarily about being the fastest. It’s about positioning. If you stand correctly, your speed compensates for any lack you might have.”
Another of Bogarde’s projects includes guiding Ryan Flamingo of PSV, where he has been instrumental in his development process. “Ryan is doing well,” Bogarde commented about Flamingo’s recent fluctuated performances. “He had some ups and downs during the recent game against SC Heerenveen, which is part of the development process. These moments are also learning experiences for him.” Bogarde highlighted the importance of analyzing match footage to target areas for improvement.
On the topic of Flamingo's development, René Hake, who formerly worked at Manchester United, contributes to the insight, discussing Flamingo’s transitions between roles at Vitesse, FC Utrecht, and now PSV. “His versatility has been beneficial,” Hake noted, particularly with the demands of playing as a defender at PSV, who required him to adjust quickly to manage space effectively. Bogarde reiterated, “I look at the game overall and select specific clips to review with him, focusing on the defensive aspect.”
Bogarde’s commitment goes beyond mere training; he stresses the importance of individual investment by young professionals. He mentioned, “They have busy schedules, and physical training often falls through the cracks. It’s important players invest time and energy in their own growth.” Despite the potential concern of overstepping club boundaries, Bogarde insists, “No, why should I inform club management? They are free to pursue their development no matter what.”
Winston Bogarde’s coaching philosophy centers on building defenders' capabilities not only through traditional drills but with modern tools such as video analysis to effectively heighten performance. He engages directly with players, discussing game footage to pinpoint areas for improvement, which he thinks does not conflict with club duties. He stated, “I transition through their plays and tailor my feedback accordingly.” He believes his approach will support their evolution as defenders.
Returning to Matthijs de Ligt, Bogarde conveyed admiration for his career achievements, claiming, “Every step he’s made has been positive for his growth.” Despite the recent criticisms around de Ligt’s performances, Bogarde insists there is significant potential for improvement. “He was the captain of Ajax, showing leadership at such a young age, and now it’s about adapting and recovering his sharpness.”
Effects of the Premier League's pace compared to Bundesliga have also been significant for de Ligt, with Bogarde and Hake both noting how the former Ajax star struggles to find his footing—a theme echoed by the necessity of facing swift transitions and high-stakes situations. “The Premier League is different, and which requires serious adaptation on his part, especially having joined late after international commitments,” Hake added.
Looking toward the future, Bogarde remains dedicated to nurturing young talent and sharing his vast experience through individual coaching engagements. His core belief is rooted in the notion of lifelong learning, as he puts it succinctly, “These moments are also learning experiences for them.” From working alongside players like de Ligt and Flamingo, Bogarde is paving his path as one of the old lions turning their expertise toward the next generation of footballers.
