But Grim experienced disappointments more recently with a dismissal at Willem II (2022) and FC Emmen (2024). as the summer of 2024, he has been active as a sounding board and trainer for the coaches from the youth academy at Ajax.
Strong personality
According to Sander Duits, the Ajax selection will have to deal with “a strong personality” who represents the group. The former midfielder took his first steps in the coaching profession at RKC Waalwijk under the wings of Grim. the two worked together in Waalwijk for more than three years (2019-2021).
“Fred provides clarity and structure. He is very outspoken,tells it like it is,but does so with respect. You know exactly what you can get from him,” says German, who is now the head coach of RKC Waalwijk.
“He paid attention to everything and saw everything. Fred mainly left the training to his assistants, watched it from a distance and stepped in when necessary. A real manager.”
German saw how Grim took RKC seriously in 2019. “It was always a bit of a ‘it should be fun here’ in Waalwijk, but Fred ensured a clear structure and professionalization within the club. Tight weekly schedule, breakfast or lunch, everything was improved.”
At ajax, these side issues will undoubtedly already be well arranged, but in terms of regularity and clarity, progress can be made at the club (given the structural change in the lineups). “If Ajax needs that at the moment, I’m sure they will have a good one in Fred,” said German.
Supervision of Attorney
German’s words did not appear to come out of the blue. Grim said exactly the same thing about the most critically important task of an interim coach in an interview with ESPN on Friday. “I think you have to be pure, very honest with the boys. And you have to have the ability to convey the urgency of the match to the group.”
2017: Interim National Coach Grim ‘Speaks Daily’ with Advocaat
The current interim role for Grim isn’t his first time stepping in to guide a national squad. Back in March 2017, he was entrusted with the reins of the Dutch national team as an interim coach for a series of three friendly matches. Prior to this, grim had already been part of the national team’s setup, serving as an assistant to the recently dismissed Danny Blind.
Grim’s temporary tenure in 2017 unfolded under the watchful eye of Dick Advocaat, who had been appointed as the new head coach by the KNVB. Advocaat,at the time,was committed to finishing the season with Fenerbahçe,which necessitated Grim taking the lead on the field. Grim described this unique working arrangement, stating, Dick is the boss, but everything is done in good consultation.
This collaborative approach allowed for a smooth transition during a critical period.
Grim’s initial match as interim coach resulted in a 2-1 defeat against Italy. Though, the team quickly rebounded, securing victories against Morocco (2-1) and Ivory Coast (5-0). Following these successes,he handed over the coaching duties back to Advocaat. Reflecting on his brief stint as the national team’s head coach, Grim offered a pragmatic assessment: The critically important thing is that we got through this period well.
If Grim can achieve a similar outcome by the end of his current interim period with Ajax, the club’s management would likely be very pleased. His past experience demonstrates an ability to manage teams effectively during transitional phases, a valuable asset for any club facing uncertainty.
