Football analyst René van der Gijp has defended Curaçao national team manager Dick Advocaat against recent criticism, revealing that Advocaat's daughter is battling metastasized lung cancer.
The revelation came during a Vandaag Inside online broadcast on May 24, 2026, after co-analyst Johan Derksen publicly questioned Advocaat's temporary departure from his role.
>>> Frances Tiafoe Battles Injuries Ahead of French Open Campaign
Derksen's Criticism Sparks Backlash
Derksen initially criticized Advocaat during the Tuesday broadcast, saying the manager had abandoned the team twice. He maintained his stance on Wednesday despite learning Advocaat was upset.
"The urgency was always placed on serious family circumstances. From well-informed sources, I heard that was not so bad.
It had more to do with homesickness than sad family circumstances," Derksen said.
Talk show host Wilfred Genee confirmed receiving a phone call from Advocaat regarding the harsh evaluation. Derksen remained unapologetic, stating: "I don't care!"
Derksen argued that Advocaat's mid-May return unfairly impacted interim manager Fred Rutten, who ultimately chose not to travel to the World Cup.
"It's a pernicious attitude from Advocaat, who damaged a colleague," Derksen said.
Van der Gijp Reveals Medical Reality
Van der Gijp clarified the family emergency, explaining that after the broadcast, Advocaat contacted a mutual doctor, Casper van Eijck, who then called him.
"Dick's daughter has metastasized lung cancer," Van der Gijp said.
>>> Knicks Playoff Run Drives Madison Square Garden Ticket Prices to Record Highs
He expressed full understanding for Advocaat's decision to step down. "That's not something to pop champagne for.
It's incredibly intense. The only luck is that the medication is working.
The chance is very small, but it's working for her," he said.
Van der Gijp dismissed any suggestion that the diagnosis was used as an excuse.
"If someone says you might have used it a bit, that's of course not true," he said.
Reflecting on his own son's battle with lymphoma cancer, Van der Gijp noted the varying effects of chemotherapy.
"If you handle chemo reasonably easily, that's luck. My son had only luck.
>>> Salford City and Notts County Set for League Two Playoff Final at Wembley
There are people who are down for a month," he said.
