Clarence Seedorf bemoans lack of black coaches in modern football: "There are few black coaches"

Clarence Seedorf says there are 'few black coaches' in world football as he opened up on his spell as AC Milan manager.

The legendary Dutchman began his management career at Milan, where he enjoyed 10 glittering seasons as a player.

He was appointed head coach in January 2014, but lasted just four months in the job.

Image: Alamy

Seedorf ventured to China to land his next managerial gig, taking charge of Chinese side Shenzhen FC.

From there, he then took charge of Deportivo La Coruna before being appointed Cameroon boss.

The 46-year-old is currently out of work and bemoaned the lack of offers as he drew attention to the lack of black coaches in world football.

"I asked myself why I didn’t have other opportunities in Italy, I have two children born here," he said at the Turin Sports Festival via Football Italia.

"I don’t think it’s a racist country, I’ve always maintained that and I think I understand how it is. There are racists, but it’s not. 

"If you look at what happened there’s little basis to understand that those who arrived after me at Milan immediately found a team and I didn’t even get an offer. After 20 years in Italy...

"Or they told me they didn’t want to offend me with an offer. Make me one, then I’ll decide whether or not to be offended."

Image: Alamy

Seedorf continued by explaining his decision to accept a managerial job in China.

"It’s not just in Italy, everywhere there are few black coaches. I got my first serious offer in China, I took it because I like travelling and I make every project an important thing," he added. "But it’s disappointing to see that after my experience at Milan where I did well, I didn’t get a call. 

"Football reflects society. I made it a life mission, to create equality and inclusion. It should be the strength of society. Nowadays the world is connected, there’s no way to keep people out anymore. 

"You find yourself next to someone who doesn’t look like you, but who is more of your country than yourself, who knows more... It was a difficult moment, I was aware of it, but I didn’t think it would happen with me."

Topics: Clarence Seedorf, AC Milan, Football

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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