Armenia Appoints John van ’t Schip as New National Football Team Head Coach

The Armenian national football team has a new leader. Dutch football veteran John van ’t Schip has been appointed as the team’s head coach, bringing decades of experience both as a player and a manager. His appointment was officially approved by the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) Executive Committee, and he will begin his duties on March 1, 2025. Alongside him, former Netherlands international Aron Winter will serve as the assistant coach.

John van ’t Schip, 61, is a respected figure in European football. Born on December 30, 1963, in Canada to Dutch parents, he later represented the Netherlands as a professional footballer. During his playing career, he was a key part of AFC Ajax and the Netherlands national team, playing as a midfielder and winger.

Van ’t Schip enjoyed a highly successful playing career spanning over 15 years. His time with Ajax saw him lift multiple trophies, including:

• 4 Eredivisie Titles (1981-82, 1982-83, 1984-85, 1989-90)

• 3 KNVB Cups (1982-83, 1985-86, 1986-87)

• UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1986-87)

• UEFA Cup (1991-92)

  
  

On the international stage, van ’t Schip earned 41 caps for the Netherlands, scoring two goals. He was part of the Netherlands squad that won the 1988 UEFA European Championship, one of the country’s greatest football achievements.

After his successful tenure at Ajax, he moved to Italy’s Genoa, where he played from 1992 to 1996, making 107 appearances and scoring 11 goals before retiring as a player.

Following his playing career, van ’t Schip transitioned into coaching, gaining experience in multiple leagues around the world. His journey as a manager has seen him take charge of clubs in the Netherlands, Australia, Mexico, and Greece, along with international experience as an assistant coach for the Netherlands national team.

Key Coaching Roles

• AFC Ajax (1997-2000, 2000-2001, 2008-2010, 2023-2024) – Various coaching roles, including assistant coach and caretaker manager.

• Twente FC (2001-2002) – Managed the Dutch club.

• Melbourne Heart/City (2010-2012, 2013-2017) – Won the Australian Cup with Melbourne City in 2016.

• Chivas Guadalajara (2012-2013) – Brief stint in Mexican football.

• PEC Zwolle (2017-2018) – Managed the Dutch Eredivisie club.

• Greece National Team (2019-2021) – Led the Greek team in UEFA competitions.

His wealth of experience across different leagues and football cultures is expected to bring a fresh approach to Armenia’s national team.

What This Means for Armenian Football

Armenia has been striving to make a mark in international football, and the appointment of a coach with van ’t Schip’s pedigree signals a commitment to growth and development. The Armenian Football Federation (FFA) has high hopes that his tactical knowledge and leadership will elevate the national team’s performance in upcoming tournaments.

Armenia has shown flashes of potential in recent years but has struggled with consistency. With van ’t Schip’s structured approach and emphasis on disciplined, attacking football, fans will be eager to see how the team evolves under his leadership.

Contract Details and Expectations

Van ’t Schip has signed a one-year contract with an option to extend for another year, depending on the team's performance. His first major test will come in the next round of international fixtures, where Armenia will look to improve its standing in European football.

With the backing of the FFA and an assistant coach as experienced as Aron Winter, the Dutch manager will have all the tools to shape Armenia into a competitive football force. As March approaches, all eyes will be on the Armenian squad as they begin a new chapter under John van ’t Schip.