WILLEMSTAD - Almost three months after Remko Bicentini was overcome by media reports that he had to make way for Guus Hiddink as the national coach of Curaçao, matters with the founder of the success of football on the island have still not been settled. Bicentini was even taken to court in Willemstad this Thursday by the football association of Curaçao for summary proceedings.
Telesport spoke with Bicentini, who is turning the current situation "the world upside down".
What is the purpose of the summary proceedings?
“The association wants to enforce through the court that I step aside so Hiddink can start training with the national team, even though it has not yet been resolved with me. I am amazed about that, because I think this is not up to me. It is a code of honor and Hiddink should adhere to that, regardless of what I think of it. He himself said clearly in the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf and at FOX Sports that he would only sign if everything was properly arranged with me. I'm also not going to say anything that I don't support. Now I have to declare that Hiddink can start anyway. Isn't that the world upside down?”
Why does it take so long to settle things?
“Initially my wish was to return as national coach, because the results were good and I put all my heart and soul into this project for years. If that was really not possible then I wanted my contract - which ran until mid-2022 and would be automatically extended up to and including that tournament when qualifying for the World Cup - would be handled correctly. Still nothing has happened. I added water to the wine myself, but that did not help. Two outrageous proposals have been made by the Curaçao union, really disrespectful. The only solution to this situation is that Curaçao handles my contract in a respectful manner.”
Have you been in contact with Hiddink about this yourself?
“Three days ago I was called by him and he has indicated that he still wants to work with the group, because it is all taking too long and the group cannot stand still. In itself I understand that. Only the key is not with me, but with the union that does not come with a normal arrangement. I don't understand Hiddink. He is 74 and has been through so much. You don't expect such a person to let things run their course for three months. He should have just said hard: "Fix it, otherwise I won't come to Curaçao." Then it was resolved. That is how the honor code works. If you do start working as a fellow trainer, then you cancel the effect of that honor code. In that telephone conversation Hiddink indicated that he feels my pain and knows what it is like, because he has also experienced it himself. But in the meantime he is here on Curaçao and he just gets to work.”
What does all this do to you personally?
“This hurts so much. I'm on it all the time. I worked for the union for fourteen years and I am the most successful national coach Curaçao has ever had. If you have to hear from the media that you have been fired, that is a hard blow. If things are not handled properly and you are treated so disrespectfully, you will not be left outside in the cold. Fortunately, I am well supported by my lawyer Jan Kabalt, but this situation is extremely painful. I did not take my wife to Curaçao, because I am not enjoying myself. This has been in my head all day long.