Dutch football legend Marco van Basten is to take a break from coaching AZ Alkmaar on health ground, the Eredevisie club have announced.
Alkmaar confirms the 49-year-old coach, who missed his side’s 3-1 win at Dordecht on Saturday, will remain absent until September 14.
“Health comes first and as a club we take our responsibility seriously,” the club’s director of football Earnest Stewart said.
“On the advice of our club doctors and in consultation with Marco we have decided rest would aid his recovery. Football is very important but good health is more important than that.”
Both Van Basten and the club are yet to release details regarding the condition of the former Netherlands international, but reports in Dutch media suggests he has suffered from stress-related heart palpitations.
Alex Pastoor and Dennis Haar will take charge of the side for a friendly match against Belgian club Mechelen and a league match against Heerenveen after the international break.
