Austrian football champions Red Bull Salzburg have got a new coach. Jacobus ‘Co’ Adriaanse is to take over from Giovanni Trapattoni and lead the Red Bulls through the 2008/2009 season.
After coaching several teams in Holland (including Ajax Amsterdam), the 60-year-old Dutchman celebrated his greatest success in charge of FC Porto.
Adriaanse achieved league and cup wins in his first year in Portugal (2005/2006). Before that, his notable achievements include leading AZ Alkmaar into the UEFA Cup semi-final (2003/2004).
Co Adriaanse arrives with a strong record of discovering and nurturing prodigious young talents. He has developed such players as Rafael van der Vaart, Patrick Kluivert (discovered when he was at Ajax), Real Madrid’s Pepe and Manchester United star striker Anderson (both coached at Porto).
After recently coaching in the Ukraine and Qatar, Adriaanse is to return to Europe to take the Salzburg job.
Sporting director Heinz Hochhauser: “Co Adriaanse has been the man we wanted for a while. With his modern attacking style of play and his passion for youth development he totally fitted our ideal requirements. He fits right into our long-term global football vision.”
Adriaanse: “I am looking forwarded to this exciting job. I was very impressed with the professional set-up and outlook of this attractive club and I will go into my work with great enthusiasm.”
