NAC Breda Welcomes Jean-Paul van Gastel as New Coach

NAC Breda Welcomes Jean-Paul van Gastel as New Coach

Van Gastel to Substitute Hyballa in NAC Breda

The Dutch football scene is buzzing with the recent appointment of Jean-Paul van Gastel as the new head coach of NAC Breda. Van Gastel replaces Peter Hyballa, who was relieved of his duties two weeks prior. The 51-year-old former midfielder has inked a contract with NAC that will last till the end of the current season, with an additional two-year extension option.

Van Gastel’s Football Journey

Van Gastel, born Jacobus Johannes Martinus Paulus, has a distinguished history in the world of football. He began his professional career in 1990 with Willem II and spent six seasons with the club before moving to Feyenoord, where he clinched the Dutch title in 1999. His career also took him to Italy, where he played for Ternana Calcio and Como Calcio 1907. He concluded his playing career in 2003 with De Graafschap.

Transitioning to coaching, Van Gastel has served as an assistant coach at Feyenoord for eight years, during which he won the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup with Giovanni van Bronckhorst. In 2020, he joined Guangzhou R&F in China as an assistant coach, eventually becoming the head coach in 2021 following van Bronckhorst’s resignation. His tenure saw Guangzhou City securing a ninth-place finish in the regular standings and a seventh-place finish in the championship round.

Departure of Hyballa

Hyballa’s dismissal from NAC Breda came unexpectedly after just over half a year. The club’s Director, Peter Maas, revealed that Hyballa often created an unsafe working atmosphere at NAC, which led to his removal. Maas took the opportunity to express his satisfaction with Van Gastel’s appointment, underlining his proven skills and his local roots, as he hails from the same region as the club.

Van Gastel’s Vision for NAC Breda

Expressing his honor and excitement at the appointment, Van Gastel acknowledged the challenges ahead but assured that they will face them together. He said, “Trainer/coach of NAC is a challenging and attractive position. This club in my city has a pulsating football heart. There will be many challenges on our path but together we will fight.”

Conclusion

The Dutch football landscape has been given a fresh start with the appointment of Jean-Paul van Gastel as the new coach of NAC Breda. With his rich football history and proven coaching skills, Van Gastel is expected to bring a positive change to the club. His arrival follows the departure of Peter Hyballa, who was dismissed for creating an unsafe working atmosphere. Van Gastel’s appointment is seen as a step towards a brighter future for NAC Breda.