Pim Verbeek was a Dutch football player and manager known for his impactful coaching career.
He played for Sparta Rotterdam from 1974 to 1980, primarily as a defender.
Verbeek last coached the Oman national football team before his passing in 2019.
Biography
Early Life and Playing Career
Peter Tim Dirk "Pim" Verbeek was born in the Netherlands and became a notable figure in football as both a player and a manager. He began his playing career at Sparta Rotterdam, where he played as a defender from 1974 to 1980. Verbeek had two stints at the club, initially from 1974 to 1975 and then again from 1977 to 1980, showcasing his dedication to the team throughout his playing years.
Managerial Career
After retiring as a player, Verbeek transitioned into coaching, where he made significant contributions to various teams. He served as an assistant coach for the South Korean national team during the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, underlining his expertise in international football. In 2006, he took the helm as head coach of South Korea, leading them to a commendable third-place finish at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, which secured their automatic qualification for the next tournament. Later, in December 2007, Verbeek was appointed as the head coach of the Australian national team, where he made headlines for his candid assessments of the A-League and its players.
Personal Life and Legacy
Pim Verbeek's personal life was marked by his passion for football, which he shared with his brother Robert, also a football coach. Tragically, Verbeek passed away on 28 November 2019, after a four-year battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the sport and a reputation for his straightforward managerial style. His approach often involved conservative tactics, emphasizing a slow tempo and reliance on team play, which shaped the teams he coached throughout his career.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
As a player, Verbeek was a defender or a midfielder and spent his entire career at Sparta Rotterdam. He played there for two stints: from 1974 to 1975 and from 1977 to 1980.
South Korea
Verbeek was the assistant coach of the South Korean national team under Guus Hiddink at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and also under Dick Advocaat at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Prior to this, he coached various teams in his home country, including De Graafschap, Groningen, Fortuna Sittard and even Feyenoord. He also served as the assistant coach of the United Arab Emirates national team. Verbeek began coaching South Korea on 26 June 2006. He led South Korea to a third-place finish at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, guaranteeing them automatic qualification to the next tournament. He left in July 2007.
Australia
Verbeek was linked to coaching the Australian national team after he stated that he would welcome another job in Asia. He had previously been linked with the Socceroos in 2005. On 6 December 2007, it was announced that Verbeek had secured his position as Australia's coach. In his first World Cup qualifying match as head coach, he led Australia to a 3-0 win against Qatar at home. Verbeek's poor opinion of the standard of the A-League was well-known, describing the performances of locally-based players Archie Thompson and Danny Allsopp against Indonesia as "absolutely hopeless" and openly questioning the decision of Jason Culina to leave PSV Eindhoven and return home to play in Australia. When asked about possible improvements for the quality of football in the A-League, he said "Do you have an hour?" and "I am just being honest." Under Verbeek, the…
Verbeek usually employed two holding midfielders and a sole striker up front. His teams usually played conservatively with a slow tempo, built up play gradually and heavily relied on crosses and team passes.
- Club
- Sparta Rotterdam (1974–1980)
Personal
Verbeek's brother Robert is also a football coach. However, they are not related to yet another coach, Gertjan Verbeek, who also coached Feyenoord. He died on 28 November 2019 at 63, after a four-year battle with cancer.
Clubs
Played together with
Abdou HarrouiSparta Rotterdam
Adri van TiggelenSparta Rotterdam · 1978–1983
Aleksander ŠeligaSparta Rotterdam · 2009–2011
Ali ElkhattabiSparta Rotterdam · 1995–1996- Ali ElkhattabiSparta Rotterdam · 1999–2001
Arne SlotSparta Rotterdam · 2007–2010
Aron WinterSparta Rotterdam · 2001–2002
Bok de KorverSparta Rotterdam · 1902–1922
Brian VandenbusscheSparta Rotterdam · 2002–2004
Bruno Martins IndiSparta Rotterdam · 2025- Christopher KanuSparta Rotterdam · 2002–2002
Cássio BramitosSparta Rotterdam · 2009–2009
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Peter Tim Dirk "Pim" Verbeek was a Dutch football manager who last coached the Oman national football team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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