Sjaak Polak returns to ADO Den Haag Vrouwen: two-year contract for the Hague-born coach
Sjaak Polak is set to become head coach of ADO Den Haag Vrouwen once again. The fifty-year-old, who already knows the club from his spell between 2019 and 2023, has signed a two-year deal. He succeeds Sandra van Tol, who left for FC Twente.
Return after one season at Club Brugge
It was a surprising twist in Sjaak Polak's coaching career. Last week, the Hague-born coach announced he was leaving Club Brugge's women's team after just one season, having exceeded expectations by finishing third in the Belgian league. ADO Den Haag quickly entered the picture shortly afterwards. Technical director Mark Wotte was the first to make contact. 'Mark Wotte called me initially for an exploratory chat,' said Polak. 'After that we sat down together, and things moved quickly.' The outcome: a two-year contract in his home city.
Personal circumstances prove decisive
Polak's decision to step away from his Belgian adventure comes down to personal reasons. 'I don't do career planning,' he explained. 'I went to Club Brugge because it's a top club. But last week I simply said: this is where it ends for me after one year. Partly due to personal circumstances.' That choice opened the door to a reunion with ADO Den Haag Vrouwen, the club where he previously enjoyed four successful seasons.
Returning to a club in troubled waters
The situation at ADO Vrouwen is markedly different from when Polak departed in 2023. The team endured their worst season ever last year. Polak is well aware of that, but refuses to be deterred. 'It has really pained me to watch this team slide over the past period, whatever the reasons behind it,' he said. And when asked whether he might have preferred a stronger club, he fired back with characteristic wit: 'But I'm no oil painting myself either.'
Four strong seasons as a reference point
Polak's first stint with the Hague-based women's side was anything but a failure. Under his guidance, ADO Den Haag Vrouwen finished fourth twice and fifth twice in the Eredivisie Vrouwen, and reached the final of the KNVB Cup. The team established itself as a consistent contender in the upper half of Dutch women's football. That is the level Polak wants to recapture. 'The stage these women belong on is not at the bottom of the Eredivisie,' he stated plainly.
Building a new squad
The new head coach has outlined his objectives in two phases. In the short term, everything revolves around securing Eredivisie survival. 'I'd much rather not be fighting relegation. But that takes time. We'll do everything we can to make ourselves safe as quickly as possible,' said Polak. After that, the focus must shift to building a squad capable of competing at the top end of the table again. He was reluctant to make concrete commitments on summer signings. 'I won't go into specific promises, but they are actively looking at where we can strengthen.' Polak himself spoke about his return with visible enthusiasm: 'I'm coming back here with a big smile on my face. I'm ready to give everything for this club all over again.'
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Source: Via NOS (GNews)
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