Ruud van Nistelrooy would rather resume work nearer to home as he searches for his first position since departing Leicester City.
The Dutch coach has been unemployed since his exit from the King Power Stadium in June, van Nistelrooy leaving more than two months after City’s relegation was sealed, and a month after the final match of the Premier League season.
It was only the second permanent senior managerial role of his career, following his initial spell at PSV Eindhoven, and it appears returning to a job in the Netherlands is his preferred option, whether that’s as a head coach or within a backroom staff.
The 49-year-old explained that he wants to remain close to his two children, with his son Liam currently turning out for PSV’s under-19 side.
“I’ve been a manager, but I was also Erik ten Hag’s assistant in Manchester,” van Nistelrooy told Dutch broadcaster Omroep Brabant.
“I’m open to both roles. If a golden opportunity arises to become an assistant, that’s also a possibility.
“I’ve been away for a year. But it’s really nice to be home with your family. I have two children, aged 19 and 17, who are also making progress now, so I want to be part of that. If that’s possible, then that’s my preference.
“I’m not ruling anything out. If our ambitions align and it’s a good fit, then it’s fine.”
Van Nistelrooy arrived at City after Steve Cooper’s dismissal, and following a promising stint as Manchester United’s interim manager.
An initial improvement in City’s displays, even if not their results, did not last long, and the team slipped into an eight-match losing streak in the Premier League from February to April in which they failed to find the net — a sequence that destroyed any lingering hopes of avoiding the drop.