Guus Hiddink

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Lore & Background

Hiddink's time at PSV began with immediate impact. Appointed manager in March 1987, he turned around a squad three points behind Ajax to win the championship six points clear. The following season, 1987–88, delivered the club's first-ever European Cup triumph and a unique Treble of league title, KNVB Cup, and European Cup. This success affirmed PSV as one of the three giants of Dutch football alongside Ajax and Feyenoord. His management style fostered deep unity; former player Berry van Aerle recalled that while Hiddink held final responsibility, he always shared credit with his staff, creating a strong team environment. Between 1987 and 1989, PSV secured three consecutive Eredivisie titles and two consecutive KNVB Cups. His departure in early 1990 to manage Fenerbahçe marked the end of this dominant initial chapter.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere at De Philips Stadion shifted dramatically under Hiddink's touch. When he took command in March 1987, PSV was struggling, trailing rivals Ajax by three points with only ten games remaining. Through disciplined tactics and cohesive team building, the team surged to win the league six points ahead of their opponents. The pinnacle arrived in the 1987–88 season. Hiddink orchestrated a historic Treble: three consecutive Eredivisie titles starting from his arrival, three consecutive KNVB Cups, and the European Cup. This victory was not just about trophies; it transformed PSV's identity. Berry van Aerle highlighted Hiddink's humility, noting how he involved his entire staff in the celebration of success rather than seeking individual glory. This culture of unity propelled the team through a decade of dominance until Hiddink moved on to Turkey in 1990.

Reader's Guide

Hiddink's first spell at PSV is defined by a swift and sustained period of domestic supremacy followed by continental glory. He arrived in March 1987, immediately leading the club from third place behind Ajax to a championship win. The subsequent years (1987–1990) saw three consecutive Eredivisie titles and three consecutive KNVB Cups. The crowning achievement was the 1987–88 season, where PSV won the European Cup, completing a Treble that elevated the club to global prominence. His approach emphasized collective responsibility; as Berry van Aerle stated, Hiddink shared credit with his team, fostering an unmatched sense of unity. This era established PSV alongside Ajax and Feyenoord as one of the Netherlands' three football giants before Hiddink's departure for Fenerbahçe in 1990.

Did You Know?

• Hiddink was a player for PSV in the 1970–71 season, but left after one year due to limited playing time and contract issues.
• Former manager Piet de Visser, who managed Hiddink at De Graafschap, later acted as an advisor to Roman Abramovich and influenced Hiddink's move to Chelsea.
• During his first spell as PSV manager, Hiddink led the club from three points behind Ajax with nine matches remaining to winning the league six points ahead of them.
• Berry van Aerle described Hiddink as a 'real team player' who shares responsibility and credit with his staff rather than taking all the credit himself.

Early Life and Playing Days

Born in Varsseveld, Hiddink started his career with amateur club SC Varsseveld. He turned professional in 1967 signing for De Graafschap under manager Piet de Visser. In 1973, during his second spell at De Graafschap alongside de Visser, the pair secured promotion to the Eredivisie. Hiddink joined PSV Eindhoven in 1970 but returned to De Graafschap after one year due to a lack of a permanent spot, staying there until 1977. He rejoined De Graafschap again in 1981 and retired as a player in 1982. Throughout his career, he generally played as a midfielder.

PSV Eindhoven Treble Success

Hiddink served as assistant manager at PSV from 1983 before becoming head coach in March 1987. At that time, the team was three points behind Ajax with ten matches left but won the title six points clear. In the 1987–88 season, he led PSV to its first-ever European Cup and a Treble consisting of three consecutive Eredivisie titles (1987–1990) and three consecutive KNVB Cups. This era affirmed PSV's rank as one of Dutch football's three giants. Berry van Aerle praised Hiddink's leadership, noting he shared credit with his staff to maintain unity. Hiddink left for Turkish club Fenerbahçe in 1990.

National Team Leadership

Hiddink took over the Netherlands national team on 1 January 1995, managing a squad plagued by internal disputes using a 4–4–2 formation. At UEFA Euro 1996, he sent Edgar Davids home after an argument; the team reached the quarter-finals before losing to France on penalties. By the 1998 FIFA World Cup, internal conflicts were resolved, and the team played entertaining football. They defeated Argentina 2–1 in the quarter-finals but lost to Brazil on penalties in the semi-finals, finishing fourth. Hiddink resigned shortly after this tournament.

South Korea World Cup Miracle

Appointed manager of South Korea on 1 January 2001, Hiddink led a team that had never won a World Cup match. Despite early criticism and a loss to the United States Gold Cup team in January 2002, he focused on physical fitness. At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, South Korea achieved its first-ever tournament victory (2–0 over Poland), drew with the U.S., and beat Portugal 1–0 to advance. They upset Italy 2–1 via a golden goal by Ahn Jung-hwan in the second round and defeated Spain on penalties in the quarter-finals. The run ended with a 1–0 semi-final loss to Germany, finishing fourth after a 3–2 defeat to Turkey.